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3 hours ago
2
First T20, Christchurch
England 153-6 (20 overs): Curran 49* (35), Buttler 29 (25)
New Zealand: Did not bat
Match abandoned
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 New Zealand 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, before Curran survived being dropped twice and overturned an lbw dismissal to drag England to a score that may well have been competitive.
The second T20 is at the Hagley Oval on Monday, starting at 07:15 BST, before the third match in Auckland on Thursday.
Three one-day internationals follow, when Joe Root, Ben Duckett and Jofra Archer are among the other Test players who will join the touring party.
Most eyes are, understandably, on the Ashes rather than this series.
It should not be forgotten, however, this was the first of only six T20s England have before the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka begins in February.
While Bethell, who flickered in striking a fine straight six before falling to a top-edge for 15, can press their case to play against Australia, Curran is one of those with the most to gain before the World Cup.
The 27-year-old was picked for the first time in any format under coach Brendon McCullum last month and offers a second seam-bowling option in the batting-heavy side Brook's England favour.
Having seen Bethell, Buttler, who made 29, Jordan Cox and Tom Banton chip catches into the air, Curran was fortunate to be dropped on 14 by bowler Jacob Duffy and at deep extra cover by Tim Robinson when he had 26. Both were straightforward chances.
While at no point did Curran find his best batting rhythm, he powered impressive left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner for one six over long-off and flicked a full toss over square leg in a final over from which he took seamer Duffy for 19.
This match will not last long in the memory, but Curran at least took advantage of what limited opportunity he was given.
