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The English T20 series versus New Zealand ended exactly how it started, with a washout. On a previously dry day, the conditions played tricks. Precipitation first appeared at evening, moments following the match began. 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 fell once again at 9.59pm. Only 25 deliveries occurred.

"You don’t want to come such a distance to this part of the world and only play one game," Brook said. "Extremely annoying."

For the record, the English side called correctly and opted to field. The initial overs went for four, struck by Seifert—a brief preview of the scoring potential a mix of a flat pitch, a wild wind, and the small boundaries might have produced.

Two of the last three deliveries cleared the ropes, the batters sending it into the crowd. New Zealand stood at 38 for one, off 3.4 overs, when the game officially ended.

Despite his disappointment, Brook at least has three one-day internationals ahead, but a trio of the touring party won't continue once the action moves to the Bay Oval on the weekend. Crawley will stay in New Zealand to continue his Ashes preparations while Phil Salt (60 balls faced) and Jordan Cox (18) return home.

This Friday is the first anniversary of Cox's exclusion from England’s Test series here with a broken thumb from practice. He likely hopes his fortune in New Zealand would be as unpredictable as local conditions.

This was the first time to host an international in Auckland in this month and neatly illustrated why. "I guess this time of year rain is always a potential," said skipper Santner. "We always enjoy to face England no matter what time of year. The problem was that they were often scheduled to play England without actually playing."

England managed to secure one victory, thereby winning the series, and Harry's summary of it was as optimistic as whoever scheduled it: "We’ve had a hell of a lot of fun," he remarked. "We’ve gained a lot. To be able to spend time together and try to become good mates surely aids you during games. We’ve had a lot of fun and laughter. It’s been very worthwhile."