Harry Brook on New Zealand bonding time

HARRY Brook believes England’s T20 side having some bonding time in New Zealand means a rain-affected tour has been worth it after the ‘shambles’ of a buildup before facing South Africa in the summer.

- BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH

A washout at Eden Park, where just 22 balls were bowled, was the second abandonment of the three-match T20 series, which England won 1-0 after thrashing the Black Caps by 65 runs in Christchurch on Monday.

This series being played in New Zealand’s early spring and before the start of their domestic campaign has raised questions about its viability, but Brook argued the trip had been useful from England’s point of view.

The Yorkshireman revealed his enjoyment at spending a few days relaxing with his teammates in Queenstown before the series, which he accepted was an increasing rarity for his limited-overs side.

“You don’t want to come all the way over to this part of the world and only play one game, so it is very frustrating,” Brook said.