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England in New Zealand: Third T20 abandoned after more rain as tourists win series

Severe weather has impacted flights and left thousands of people without power in New Zealand, though most of the disruption has come south of Auckland.

This series, which was always likely to be overshadowed by England’s build-up to the Ashes series starting next month, has been scheduled unusually early in New Zealand’s season.

Some may roll their eyes at the idea of Brook talking up time spent together off the field. England’s tendency to talk about playing golf frustrates some fans but Brook’s comments do come with merit.

Defeats and disappointing performances at the 2023 World Cup, the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy earlier this year often left the mood around England’s white-ball squads downbeat under the latter part of Jos Buttler’s captaincy.

Some players opted to skip bilateral series for franchise opportunities, all while coach Brendon McCullum revitalised the Test side with their exciting ‘Bazball’ approach.

McCullum, who combined the role of white-ball coach with his Test duties at the start of the year, has regularly promoted a relaxed and fun environment among the Test group.

Before this tour England traveled to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure sports capital, for a team bonding trip with golf, of course, high on the agenda.

“We had a team bonding few days and spent a lot of time together, which the white-ball squad has never had,” added Brook.

“To be able to spend time together, trying to be good mates. We have had a lot of fun and having a lot of fun off the field can help you on the field as well.

“It has been very worthwhile.”

The win is a first overseas series victory for Brook as England’s white-ball captain. They have won seven of their eight completed T20s since he took charge of England’s white-ball sides in April in an encouraging start.

They will ultimately be judged at the T20 World Cup in February, however, and now have just three more matches – against co-hosts Sri Lanka from 30 January – before their campaign begins.

On Sunday (02:00 BST) they begin a three-match one-day international series against the Black Caps when Ashes players Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Jofra Archer and Jamie Smith join the squad, with Archer sitting out the first ODI to manage his workload before traveling to Australia.

The Ashes continues to loom large.

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Cricket

County Championship: Day one abandoned at Gloucestershire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Durham, Sussex and Leicestershire.

Heavy rain and strong winds meant no play was possible on day one in eight of nine County Championship matches.

The Division One top-of-the-table clash between Surrey and Nottinghamshire was the only match to see any action as the championship headed into its penultimate round of matches.

The Division Two match between Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire at Bristol was the first match to be abandoned without a ball bowled at around 14:00 BST, followed soon after by Lancashire versus promotion-chasing Middlesex at Old Trafford.

Derbyshire, who must realistically beat second-placed Glamorgan at Derby to keep their own promotion hopes alive, were left frustrated as the weather ruled out any cricket on day one and there was also no play between Leicestershire and Kent.

In Division One, Durham’s hopes of picking up a vital win against fellow relegation candidates Worcestershire were also delayed until at least the second day at Chester-le-Street.

Durham are six points adrift of safety, while anything less than victory for bottom side Worcestershire will confirm their descent to Division Two.

Play was also abandoned for the day at Hove where both Sussex and Yorkshire were looking to secure their safety from the drop, while Hampshire, who sit just six points above second-bottom Durham, were also denied any play at Taunton.

Warwickshire and Essex will also look to get their match under way at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

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