In their first match since the Ashes a month ago, the hosts romped to victory, reaching 140 in six overs.

In the chase, Jonny Bairstow nicked the second ball to slip, but Dawid Malan made a composed 54 from 42 balls.

With 24 needed from 48, Brook struck an unbeaten 27-ball 43 to take England home, his two towering sixes reinforcing England’s surprise at his omission from their 50-over World Cup squad for India.

New Zealand were restricted to 139-9 by England’s professional bowling performance.

Brydon Carse claimed an impressive 3-23 on his T20 debut after Luke Wood was hit for three sixes in the first over – the tourists never able to get going after their fast start.

On Friday, the series continues in Manchester. This series is played against the backdrop of England’s World Cup defence, which begins with a rematch of the 2019 final against New Zealand in five weeks.

Although England haven’t played short-form cricket since March, they showed little sign of rust on their return – something the Black Caps cannot claim.

Throughout the T20 leg, captain Jos Buttler spoke of his desire to experiment – eight 50-over matches against the Kiwis and Ireland will be used to fine-tune for the World Cup – and two bowlers not in the Indian squad played a significant role.

On a slow pitch, Wood and Carse kept New Zealand well below par. Malan, one of those travelling to the World Cup, built after taking just three from his first nine balls in an innings that will give him confidence for the next three months.

Brook remained the most fluent batter as England experimented later, with Buttler dropping down from his usual place as a T20 opener, Will Jacks taking his place and scoring 22.

Livingstone was elevated to number five and pulled a mighty six into the crowd to finish the game emphatically.

This was an encouraging start for England, as New Zealand were ragged with bat and ball.