NZ VS ENG 1ST T20I

Right then, that’s all we have from this called-off, yet entertaining game. It's still 0-0, and both New Zealand and England will be eager to take the lead in the next one, and hopefully rain stays away. The second T20I is set for 20th October, Monday, once again at the Hagley Oval. The action begins at 6.15 am GMT, but make sure to join us early for all the pre-match build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand, says that there was a little bit in the wicket as they thought of bowling first. Shares that the guys started very well with the new ball, and it was a good all-round performance from the boys. Adds that they will be playing on different surfaces in India, and traditionally, it will be slow but flat surfaces. They will head to Sri Lanka as well, but before that, they want to win this series and make the fans happy. Closes by sharing that it was challenging on the field but nice to be back with the lads.

Harry Brook, the skipper of England says that the wicket did a bit to start with. Adds that the Kiwi bowlers are pretty skilled and experienced, especially Matt Henry, who made the most of it. Adds that they wanted to adapt to the situation, but with the batting depth they have, they thought they could go for it all the way. Says that they have got some powerful batters in the ranks and can always accelerate at the back end. Tells that they want to be quicker to adapt to the situation as a unit. Mentions that he is enjoying his time leading the side, and they have a great bunch of lads. Ends by saying that they have had a good time in New Zealand and are looking forward to the next game.

Time to hear from the two captains now...

Earlier in the game, England huffed and puffed their way to a competitive total, with Sam Curran’s unbeaten 49 being the top score. Jos Buttler and Harry Brook made useful contributions as well, but regular wickets and the lack of any big partnerships hurt their momentum. New Zealand, on the other hand, put on an excellent all-round bowling display - all six bowlers chipped in with a wicket each and kept the scoring under control to restrict a strong English batting lineup. However, that was all the action that we could get in this game, as it started raining during the innings break, and we never managed to get back out there.

Well, well, well! The handshakes are done, and it’s official - MATCH ABANDONED! Not the result anyone wanted, but with time running out, the rain gods have had the final say. A real pity, as this was shaping up to be an exciting contest. New Zealand will be the more disappointed side, having restricted England to 153/6 and backing themselves to chase it down to take the lead. England, on the other hand, might feel they were a few runs short but will gladly take a share of the spoils.

While we wait, let's hear from James Neesham, who is down having an interview with Shane Bond. He says that not having a central contract with New Zealand and playing both franchise and international cricket has been the best of both worlds. Adds that at 35 and at the back end of his career, he wants as much freedom as possible, and then also being available for the big ICC events for New Zealand, he wants to give his best too. Mentions that when he first played for his country 10-12 years back, the conditions in countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were a bit unknown, but now with leagues like BPL, you get to have an idea and share it with the group. Says that as far as goals go, there are two World Cups coming in the next two years, so he would love to be part of them. Further adds that the most difficult thing is to balance time with family. Tells that earlier it used to be like 7-8 months with one set of players and coaches, but now it is much shorter, a few drinks or a golf session, and then they go their separate ways. Says that they have worked a lot on the environment over the years. When he was young, it was much more like tough love, but now that is not the case, and young players like Rachin Ravindra and Tim Robinson feel more welcome into the team.

UPDATE - 8.54 am GMT - The umpires are making their way out to the middle again, but with umbrellas, and are having a chat with the ground staff. Also, a few people in the crowd are heading back home. Do they know something we don't? Probably! However, the cut-off time for a 5-over contest is 9.33 am GMT, so we still have a bit of time. Fingers crossed!

UPDATE - 8.39 am GMT - More umbrellas go up in the crowd as the rain has gotten even heavier now, in fact, it is pelting down at the moment. The ground staff are also bringing in more covers, which is never a good sign. The waiting game continues...

UPDATE - 8.30 am GMT - The on-field umpires are out in the middle now. They are having a chat with the fourth umpire, who is holding up an umbrella, but the rain has slowed down a bit. Also, the big cover from the square is being removed now, and only the pitch is covered. SCRATCH THAT! The big cover is back on now and it looks like the umpires are also not fully satisfied with the outfield. Stick with us for more news.

UPDATE - 8.21 am GMT - Uh..oh! We might be in for a bit longer mid-break because the rain is back here at the Hagley Oval. The covers are on, and it looks a bit heavy, but there is also a wind blowing across, which indicates this could fade away soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

Chasing 154 for victory, New Zealand will be confident, but they'll need to bat smartly and make the most of the short boundaries to secure a 1-0 lead. Can the Black Caps pull it off, or will the England bowlers come out firing? We’ll find out soon. Join us shortly for the second innings.

Matt Henry of New Zealand is up for a quick chat. He says that playing cricket this early was always going to be a bit of unknown. Adds that they knew they would get some lateral movement and the wicket is on the slower side. Mentions that the batters just need to back themselves and they have enough firepower to get the job done. Says that it is about absorbing the pressure and putting back on the opponents. Ends by saying that he is looking forward to the chase.

It was a collective effort from the New Zealand bowlers, with all six used on the night picking up a wicket each. Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Mitchell Santner stood out, combining for 12 overs, conceding just 73 runs, and claiming three wickets between them. Duffy started well but was a bit expensive toward the end.

England produced an excellent recovery to post a fighting total of 153/6 on a tricky pitch for batting. After being asked to bat first, they got off to a shaky start, losing Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell within the Powerplay. Jos Buttler and Harry Brook showed promise with brief cameos, but both fell after getting decent starts. The innings was steadied by Sam Curran, who anchored from one end with a composed unbeaten 49 off 35 deliveries, guiding England past the 150-run mark and giving their bowlers something to work with.

FOUR! A STREAKY BOUNDARY TO CLOSE THE INNINGS! Slower, short-of-a-good-length delivery, pushed across the batter. Curran swings hard, gets the outside edge that goes past the short third fielder for four runs. England finish with 153/6.

Slower ball, into the pitch, and around off. Curran slices the cut uppishly, toward the deep backward point region for two more.

WIDE! Pitched full, and pushed across the tramline. Curran plays and misses. Wide given.