England at New Zealand: The first T20 was washed out after Sam Curran impressed

Understandably, most eyes are on the Ashes rather than this series.

However, it should not be forgotten that this was the first of only six T20s England had before the start of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February.

While Bethel, who managed to score six goals in a row before slipping back to the top with 15, can push for action against Australia, Curran is one of the players most prolific ahead of the World Cup.

The 27-year-old was selected for the first time in any format under coach Brendon McCullum last month and offers a second bowling option in Brook’s heavy-hitting England side.

After Bethel saw Buttler, who made 29, Jordan Cox and Tom Banton pick up a chip in the air on a surface that bit off fast bowlers and caught spinners, Curran was lucky to be dropped on 14 by bowler Jacob Duffy and at deep extra cover by Tim Robinson when he had 26. Both were straight chances.

While at no point did Curran find his best batting rhythm, he remained calm to run the impressive left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner for six over long-on and bowled a full toss over square leg in the final over from which seamer Duffy took for 19.

This match won’t last long in the memory, but at least Curran made the most of the limited opportunity he was given.