This was England’s first 50-over meeting with New Zealand since the World Cup final four years ago but if Jos Buttler’s men do go on to repeat that success in India in the coming months, it will not be remembered as the springboard.
On a humid day in Cardiff, the tourists came through what was supposed to be both sides’ most intense pre-tournament workout so far without breaking much sweat, glorious unbeaten hundreds from Devon Conway and Daryll Mitchell inspiring a comfortable eight-wicket victory in the first of four ODIs, with 26 balls to spare.
