NZ VS ENG 3RD T20I

In the end, the trophy is handed to Harry Brook as England win this series 1-0. But, what a bummer, honestly, as we didn't get much cricket to see. Just one completed game sandwiched between two no results. But ultimately, weather is something, or the only thing, a human being cannot control. That's that from this three-match T20I series, then. Both teams will head to Mount Maunganui to kick off the 3 ODI series with the first match to be played at the iconic Bay Oval, before they head to Hamilton and Wellington for the rest of the two. The first ODI will be played on Sunday, 26th October, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 1 am GMT. Hope that rain stays away from that series. We sign off from here, but there is plenty of international cricket going on elsewhere. You can simply tab hop and follow the live action from those matches. Until next time, take care and cheers.

The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner, is up for a chat. He starts by saying that this is a challenging time of year, but there were positives to take away. He adds that it is always nice to play against England. When asked about the positives, he highlights the way New Zealand bowled in the first game and notes that the second match was also a learning experience, as they were put under a lot of pressure on a good wicket. He mentions that the team started well in this match, and shares that they aimed to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup. Admits that they won't get similar conditions in India or Sri Lanka, but stresses that the focus is to be prepared to play in different conditions.

The captain of England, Harry Brook, is also adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE SERIES. He says that it wasn't an ideal series but he is happy to win this. He adds that they are excited for the ODI series. He shares that they are having a good time in New Zealand and calls it a great place to play cricket, and they are looking forward to the ODI series. Says that they have a good balance in the side, with depth in the batting. Feels that they are in a really strong position. Speaking about the upcoming ODI series, he adds that there will be a few changes in the team, with some big names returning, and is hopeful that they can carry this momentum forward.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

Update - 9.15 am GMT - Here's the announcement. MATCH IS ABANDONED. The umpires have decided to pull the plug as the rain shows no sign of stopping. This hands England the series win in the three-match T20I contest by 1-0. Unfortunately, only one full game could be completed in what was a highly anticipated series. It is really frustrating, particularly for New Zealand, who had an opportunity to level the series, but only 3.4 overs were possible this evening due to unforgiving weather. Please stay tuned for the presentation which will be held indoors...

Update - 9.10 am GMT - Harry Brook is seen speaking with the umpires, likely trying to find out just how much longer the rain will continue before a decision is made. Meanwhile, rain has picked up and more covers are being unfurled. We don't have much left for the cut-off time, so the dreaded confirmation just might be around the corner.

Update - 9 am GMT - Booooooo... and just like that, the drizzle is back. Such a shame that we were just a couple of minutes away from the resumption, but the covers are back on. Some of the English players are tiptoeing the football in their dugout area, while the umpires have gathered on the sidelines for a detailed discussion, but going by their expressions, they are not pleased. Nobody seems particularly eager to get back on the field and the two stumps with microphones are being carried off as well. Guess that may be it.

Update - 8.51 am GMT - We have an update! According to the official word, the match is reduced to 8 overs a side. Batting Powerplay for the second innings will be of 2.2 overs, and 4 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 2 overs. So, Luke Wood's spell is done for the evening. Play resumes at 9 am GMT, which is in about 10 minutes or so.

Update - 8.47 am GMT - Quick update from Auckland is that the covers are coming off again. The stumps are being erected again and a rope is being dragged across the park as well. The umpires are out in the middle, with their umbrellas open. Optimistic to say that we will have a resumption time soon. Stay tuned.

Update - 8.36 am GMT - The groundsmen had started removing the covers, only for the rain to return, forcing them to put the covers back on. Ugh, this is frustrating!

Update - 8.20 am GMT - Good news! RAIN HAS STOPPED. Frankie Mackay reports from the ground, without an umbrella. But the concerning thing right now is the amount of water taken by the outfield. It was already greasy when the players came out after resumption. It will indeed take some time to dry the wet patches. Frankie also shares that the overhead conditions have settled down, with just an odd little spit around. Hopefully, this won't be a long delay. But for now, the pitch is under the covers. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update - 8.10 am GMT - And again! The rain is back, and so are the covers. Let's hope it goes away soon. Fingers crossed.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

SIX! That's a massive hit! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Tim Seifert rocks back into his crease and pulls it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Too full, outside off, Rachin Ravindra slashes it to cover for a quick single. The fielder, Jordan Cox, has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A direct hit and Tim Seifert was a goner.

SIX! That was some shot! Back of a length, on leg, Rachin Ravindra moves to his left and pulls it over fine leg for a biggie.

On a length, outside off, and it keeps a tad low. Rachin Ravindra looks to pull it but misses.

Short, on leg, Tim Seifert looks to scoop it but misses.