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The English T20 contest against New Zealand concluded just as it started, with a washout. On a previously dry day, the elements played tricks. Rain first intervened at evening, two minutes after play commenced. Following a short restart, it came back, halted, allowed the crew some opportunity to dry the field, allowed the umpires to schedule a late restart, and then resumed pouring at 9.59pm. Only 25 deliveries occurred.

"It's disappointing to travel such a distance to this part of the world and only play one game," Harry Brook said. "Extremely annoying."

For the record, England won the toss and opted to field. The initial overs went for four, both hit by Tim Seifert—a brief preview of the run-scoring a combination of a placid wicket, a wild wind, and Eden Park’s diminutive boundaries could have enabled.

The final balls cleared the ropes, Rachin Ravindra and Seifert sending it into the crowd. The Kiwis were 38/1, off 3.4 overs, as the match was called off.

Despite his disappointment, Harry still has three ODIs ahead, but a trio of the touring party will no longer be involved once the action moves to Mount Maunganui on Sunday. Zak Crawley (no balls faced) will stay in New Zealand to prepare for the Ashes while Salt and Cox head home.

Friday marks the first anniversary of Cox's exclusion from England’s Test series in New Zealand with a thumb fracture from practice. He likely hopes his luck in this country would be as unpredictable as the weather.

This was the first time an international had been attempted in the city in October and neatly illustrated why. "I guess this time of year rain is always a potential," said skipper Santner. "We always enjoy to face England any season. The problem was that they spent most of the time scheduled to play England not playing England."

The tourists managed to secure one victory, thereby winning the series, and Brook’s analysis of it was as optimistic as whoever scheduled it: "We’ve had great enjoyment," he remarked. "It was very beneficial. To be able to spend time as a group and try to become good mates surely aids you during games. We’ve had a lot of fun and laughter. It was truly valuable."