England in New Zealand: First T20 washed out after Sam Curran impresses

England were thwarted in the first match of their winter travels as rain washed out the opening T20 against New Zealand in Christchurch.

Harry Brook’s side battled canny bowling and a tricky pitch to post 153-6 before the weather denied the hosts the chance to start their chase, resulting in a frustrating start to a low-profile white-ball series.

This contest comes little more than a month before the highly anticipated Ashes tour, and England named three of their squad to face Australia in the XI at the Hagley Oval.

It was one of those not included who was most effective, however, as all-rounder Sam Curran hit 49 not out from 35 balls to lift England from 81-5.

Jos Buttler, potential Test number three Jacob Bethell and Brook made starts, but Curran survived being dropped twice and overturned an lbw dismissal to drag England to a score that may well have been competitive.