DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR and Mars Inc. have announced a multi-year extension, continuing the candy manufacturer’s long-standing partnership and designation as the official chocolate of NASCAR.

The renewed agreement ensures Mars’ various brands remain a race day staple for millions of fans and extends the relationship to more than 20 consecutive years.

Mars entered NASCAR as a team sponsor nearly 30 years ago and steadily increased its participation in the sport, becoming a NASCAR official partner in 2000. Through the Official Partnership, Mars builds comprehensive marketing strategies, leveraging the sport as a backdrop to debut new products, build experiential marketing platforms for consumers and drive business-to-business deals. Mars launched the M&M’S Chocolate Bar in the United States with the Daytona 500 as its backdrop, unveiling a special paint scheme with Kyle Busch and the No. 18 team and an on-site activation to celebrate its release.

“We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with NASCAR – a relationship we have been proud of for over 20 years,” said William Clements, vice president, sponsorships and sports marketing, Mars, Incorporated. “This partnership allows us to seamlessly integrate our iconic brands into the sport like no other league, and the innovative fan experiences we are able to bring to race day help to create lasting memories for fans of our brands and fans of the sport alike.”

Central to Mars’ 2019 activation was its first M&M’S Glampground, an experiential marketing platform that set a new standard for lifestyle brands in NASCAR. The exclusive experiences at Kentucky Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway sold out immediately, delivering the colorful fun M&M’S is known for with unforgettable experiences. The Glampground provided a turnkey, VIP option for race fans looking to experience a NASCAR race weekend like never before, featuring everything from glamping tents and garage tours to celebrity meet and greets.

“Mars’ has been connected to so many memorable moments in our history and its wide-ranging presence across our sport has resulted in its’ brands being some of the most recognizable in NASCAR,” said Lou Garate, senior vice president, partnership marketing, NASCAR. “This renewed partnership is representative of the collaboration and fully integrated approach that Mars delivers year-after-year, positioning their iconic brands as a race day favorite for millions of our brand loyal fans.”

The renewed agreement with Mars furthers the brand’s comprehensive approach to NASCAR through its Official Partnership, combining digital and social marketing, hospitality, race entitlement, and team relationships to achieve its marketing objectives. Earlier this year, Mars announced an extension of its relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing and 2015 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch in a multi-year agreement.

Rory McIlroy didn't let a slow start at the WGC-HSBC Champions stunt his chances of contending for another trophy.

McIlroy was stuck at even par after nine holes Thursday, having turned a possible birdie into a bogey on the par-5 18th, and he was well off the pace heading to the second half of his opening round at Sheshan International Golf Club. But the Ulsterman found something on his inward half, reeling off five birdies in a six-hole stretch to surge into contention with a 5-under 67.

"Once I made the turn, things started to go for me a little bit more," McIlroy told reporters. "After nine (holes) I didn't expect to shoot 5 under par. But it's nice to shoot that score and get right into the tournament."

Instead of floundering near the back of the pack, McIlroy moved inside the top 10 and sits three shots off the lead of Haotong Li. His rally began at the par-5 second, which sparked a run of four straight birdies, and McIlroy added his eighth birdie of the day on No. 7.

It was the latest example of how quickly things can turn for the current world No. 2, whose late-season tear included a final-round 61 to win the RBC Canadian Open and a $15 million FedExCup victory at East Lake.

"Sometimes you feel it a little more than other times, and definitely got the momentum on that back nine today, and tried to sort of ride that momentum to the very end," he said. "It would have been nice to pick up one more, had a good chance for birdie. But after the start today, to shoot 5 under, I'm not complaining."

McIlroy arrived in China on the heels of a T-3 finish at the Zozo Championship, his fourth top-10 finish in five starts dating back to his win at East Lake. Still eager to close the gap with world No. 1 Brooks Koepka, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, McIlroy is pleased to not face a sizeable deficit heading into the second round thanks to his late-round surge.

"The last few tournaments I've played, I've had a bad opening round and then been trying to play catch-up," McIlroy said. "At least now I'm right in the thick of things from the start, which is a better place to be."

If Catriona Matthew isn’t appointed to return as the European Solheim Cup captain, it will be an upset.

The British media has all but confirmed that the Scot will reprise her role with this week’s news that the Ladies European Tour will announce the 2021 Euro captain in a news conference at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland on Nov. 14. Matthew grew up in North Berwick, just south of Gleneagles, and still lives there.

“Matthew set to captain again at 2021 Solheim Cup,” trumpeted a headline this week in Scotland’s national newspaper, The Scotsman.

“Catriona Matthew on track to be reappointed European captain after Solheim Cup triumph,” was the headline in the national British daily The Telegraph.

“Matthew set to lead Europe at 2021 Solheim Cup,” was the headline on a story on the website at Bunkered, a Scottish golf magazine.

Laura Davies, the most accomplished British female professional to play the game, is on record supporting Matthew’s return. Davies was one Matthew’s vice captains in Europe’s thrilling victory at Gleneagles last month.

“My vote would go to Beany again next time, because everyone has enjoyed it so much,” Davies said. “I always think that if you win you deserve the chance to go and get the trophy back again. I would encourage her to go for it.”

Matthew was open to the chance when asked in the wake of the victory in Scotland.

“Wouldn’t say no,” Matthew said when first asked about a return.

The 2021 event is at Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, Ohio.

Suzann Pettersen is a lock to someday captain the team, if she wants it. The question is when. Pettersen, who announced her retirement almost immediately after sinking the winning putt in Scotland, is still aglow as a new mom to her infant son, Herman.

“If she wants to do it,” Davies said of Pettersen, “she would be a great captain of the future.”

Matthew Fitzpatrick has been close. Four times this year, in fact, and five times within the last 12 months. In most cases, it hasn't been a situation of the Englishman faltering but instead he simply hasn't been able to keep pace.

There was Francesco Molinari's closing 64 to race past him at Bay Hill, then a 66 from Andrea Pavan in Germany. Fitzpatrick's final-round 64 at the Scandinavian Invitation came up one shot short when Erik Van Rooyen matched it, and earlier this month Bernd Wiesberger shot a 65 to beat him at the Italian Open.

"I feel like I've played well enough this year to win," Fitzpatrick told reporters Thursday at the WGC-HSBC Champions. "Just five individuals that just really annoyed me and gone one better."

Fitzpatrick has an opportunity to get that elusive trophy this week in China, where he opened with a 6-under 66 that left him in a tie for third and two shots behind leader Haotong Li. Fitzpatrick made seven birdies against one bogey and admitted after the round he expected his score to hold up as the opening-round lead.

"Just shows how good the guys are," Fitzpatrick said. "The rough's thick, and the greens are firm and fast and slopey, and it's not easy. I'm delighted with 66."

Fitzpatrick, though, knows better than most how quickly fortunes can shift at Sheshan International Golf Club. It was just last year when he opened with a 5-under 67 only to balloon to a second-round 80 and tumble all the way into a tie for 54th after adding a final-round 81.

This time around he's eager to remain a little more consistent while hoping to be the player that surges to the top of the leaderboard over the weekend rather than playing the role of hard-luck bystander.

"I can't say it's definitely going to happen. I'd love to say definitely," he said. "No, it's one of those you can't sort of keep thinking about it. You've just got to keep putting yourself in position.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has suggested the club could forfeit their Carabao Cup quarterfinal tie against Aston Villa if a sensible date cannot be found for the fixture.

Here, we look at why the tie is causing a major headache for the fixture schedule.

When should Aston Villa vs. Liverpool be played?

The game is scheduled for the week of Dec. 17, 2019. All quarterfinal ties will be live on ESPN+.

Why can't the Carabao Cup tie be played then?

Liverpool will be in Qatar for the FIFA Club World Cup, with their semifinal scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18.

- FIFA Club World Cup: All you need to know

Can't they play the Carabao Cup tie before then?

There is no spare midweek date. After the next international break, there is a Champions League round, followed by a full set of Premier League games, and then the final set of UCL games. That takes us to mid-December.

So when could it be played?

Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Dec. 26, after returning from Qatar.

The next possible spare date is the week of Jan. 7, which is when the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals are scheduled. It seems almost certain that the Aston Villa vs. Liverpool quarterfinal tie will be played then, but the real issue is the knock-on effects for the semifinals.

When will the semifinal be played?

As the Carabao Cup semifinals are two-legged ties, it puts extra pressure on the fixture list.

The week of Jan. 14 is reserved for FA Cup third-round replays, so while the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg could be scheduled there is the danger Aston Villa or Liverpool are landed with yet another fixture. And then you would need to find somewhere to play that FA Cup match -- it could just shift the problem on.

The week of Jan. 21 has a full round of Premier League games, and leaves the semifinal first leg in the week of Jan. 28 -- when the second leg should be played.

So the hangover continues. The week of Feb. 4 is set for FA Cup fourth-round replays, so you are pushing the second leg to the week of Feb. 11 -- and that brings another problem.

Will the winter break get in the way?

The Premier League has created a winter break by splitting a round of fixtures in half. There are 10 games scheduled for Feb. 8, but half those games will move to Feb. 15 -- so all clubs will either be in the first or second week of their winter break on Feb. 11. Aston Villa or Liverpool, plus their semifinal opponents, would likely have to finish their break early, or start it late.

Klopp insists Liverpool will not play during their winter break period.

- Premier League winter break: All you need to know

Could a Premier League game be moved?

Again, this just moves the problem onto another competition. For instance, there is little chance the New Year games of Burnley v Villa and Sheffield United vs. Liverpool would be rearranged so the quarterfinal could be played before the scheduled date of the semifinal first leg.

Liverpool already have to find a new date for their game against West Ham, which was scheduled for Dec. 21, and the two Carabao Cup finalists will have to move their games scheduled for Feb. 29.

Could they make the semifinal one-legged?

No, they will almost certainly still play two games, with both semifinals being the same format.

What is the most likely fix?

The first feasible date for Aston Villa vs. Liverpool is Jan. 7 or 8. It will be known a few days beforehand if either team OR the other semifinalist would require an FA Cup replay. If neither semifinalist needs a replay, then the semifinal first leg could be played on Jan. 14 or 15 (the dates reserved for those FA Cup games). That then gets the Carabao Cup back on track, with the semifinal second leg the week of Jan. 28 as planned.

One additional issue is if Aston Villa or Liverpool are drawn at home in the first leg of the semifinal, as it poses logistical problems with matters such as policing at such short notice.

SCENARIO 1 (most likely)
Jan. 4 - FA Cup third round
Jan. 7 - Aston Villa vs. Liverpool quarterfinal
Jan. 11 - Premier League games
Jan. 14 - Aston Villa or Liverpool Carabao Cup semi leg 1 (if no FA Cup replay needed)
Jan. 18 - Premier League games
Jan. 21 - Premier League games
Jan. 25 - FA Cup fourth round
Jan. 28 - Aston Villa or Liverpool Carabao Cup semi leg 2
Feb. 1 - Premier League games

However, if the winners of the quarterfinal tie do need an FA Cup replay on the week of Jan. 14, it gets messy again.

SCENARIO 2
Jan. 4 - FA Cup third round
Jan. 7 - Aston Villa vs. Liverpool quarterfinal
Jan. 11 - Premier League games
Jan. 14 - FA Cup replays
Jan. 18 - Premier League games
Jan. 21 - Premier League games
Jan. 25 - FA Cup fourth round
Jan. 28 - Aston Villa or Liverpool Carabao Cup semi leg 1
Feb. 1 - Premier League games
Feb. 4 - FA Cup replays
Feb. 8 - Premier League games (Aston Villa and Liverpool play this date)
Feb. 11 - Aston Villa or Liverpool Carabao Cup semi leg 2
Feb. 15 - Winter break for Aston Villa and Liverpool
Feb. 22 - Premier League games

One problem with Scenario 2 is if UEFA schedules Liverpool to play a Champions League round-of-16 tie on Feb. 18 or 19, essentially truncating the club's winter break further. The weeks of Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 are reserved for European football, though Aston Villa could technically play as long as they are not drawn against one of the Manchester clubs. Also, the final is on Sunday, March 1 and will not move.

SCENARIO 3
Jan. 4 - FA Cup third round
Jan. 7 - Aston Villa vs. Liverpool quarterfinal
Jan. 11 - Premier League games
Jan. 14 - Aston Villa or Liverpool Carabao Cup semi leg 1 (possible FA Cup replay clash)
Jan. 18 - Premier League games
Jan. 21 - Premier League games
Jan. 25 - FA Cup fourth round
Jan. 28 - Aston Villa or Liverpool Carabao Cup semi leg 2
Feb. 1 - Premier League games
Feb. 4 - FA Cup replays
Feb. 8 - Premier League games (no pressure on Aston Villa and Liverpool play this date or Feb. 15)

Could Liverpool really forfeit the game?

It's very unlikely, even if Klopp said "if they don't find a place for us -- an appropriate place -- not 3 a.m. on Christmas Day, then we don't play it." It should be taken more as a tactic by Klopp to avoid being forced to play games close together.

A statement from the EFL read: "The EFL is in discussions with Liverpool to identify an alternative date given the club's participation in the FIFA Club World Cup competition."

If Liverpool don't play Aston Villa, who does?

Aston Villa would go straight through to the semifinals. Arsenal, who lost to Liverpool in the fifth round, would not re-enter the competition.

What would happen if Liverpool were to forfeit the game?

Liverpool would be charged with misconduct and likely face a heavy fine, but even considering the fixture congestion it would not be a good look for the club to pull out at the quarterfinal stage.

They could not be docked Premier League points.

What about playing a youth team against Aston Villa?

There is the chance Liverpool could attempt to fulfil the fixture this way on the scheduled date, but this again is unlikely.

Weren't Man United allowed to pull out of the FA Cup though?

Yes, they did not take part in the FA Cup in 1999-2000 because they were in the FIFA Club World Championship. This was a bigger tournament than the Club World Cup, and involved United playing potentially four games (Liverpool will play two in Qatar).

However, it was prearranged that United would not take part in the FA Cup, partly to try and help England's bid to host the 2006 World Cup. At no stage did they enter the FA Cup in 1999-2000.

The difference here is that Liverpool have entered the EFL Cup and are expected to honour their fixtures.

Big Picture

So, who is going to be the first to mention the boundary count? Three-and-a-half months on from that tied World Cup final (you don't need me to remind you what happened next), New Zealand and England go toe-to-toe once again in a five-match T20I series that will act as a launchpad for both sides as the countdown begins to the 2020 T20 World Cup.

As it goes, this is a format in which hitting the most boundaries often is significant. England reached the final of the 2016 World T20 during the early days of their reinvention as power-packed ODI juggernaut, and will likely be a dangerous proposition in Australia next year - though the squad sent to New Zealand is as much about potential as proven performance. And while the home side are missing their captain, Kane Williamson, as well as Trent Boult for the first three games, they have plenty of T20 chops - as shown by Colin Munro's blitz to see off England in their second warm-up game.

ALSO READ: Gregory faces all-round challenge to prove himself in finisher role

What has gone before is less important than what is to come (Really?! Ed), and each team has their own areas to focus on as, for the next 12 months T20Is - so often an afterthought for touring sides - gain extra relevance and context. For New Zealand, the opener issues that dogged their World Cup - an appearance in the final notwithstanding - threaten to linger, while elsewhere the likes of Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell and Scott Kuggeleijn will be hoping to make themselves indispensable under stand-in captain Tim Southee, who led the team to a 2-1 series win in Sri Lanka on their most recent tour.

England's overarching goal for the series, meanwhile, is to find out how a host of new faces go in international competition. The likes of Tom Banton and Pat Brown have caught the eye at domestic level in the Blast and, with a number of first-choice white-ball players rested after a doubly draining English summer featuring World Cup and Ashes, here comes a chance to step up.

England's T20 World Cup squad is sure to feature the likes of Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes (all absent on this leg of the trip), and Banton may have to go some to force his way through a queue of heavyweight top-order contenders, but there are obvious question marks around the lower middle-order finisher role and a couple of the bowling slots. Sam Curran, who has yet to play T20 internationals despite Test and ODI caps (not to mention an IPL contract), may have most to gain, while allrounder Lewis Gregory, legspinner Matt Parkinson and raw quick Saqib Mahmood will be hoping to catch the eye as the series wears on.

Form guide

New Zealand LWWWL (completed matches, most recent first)
England WWWWW

In the spotlight

Ross Taylor is New Zealand's most-capped batsman in T20Is, and likely to provide the glue in their middle-order - but the exact value of that role is something Gary Stead needs to determine ahead of the T20 World Cup. Taylor is now 35 and his last T20I fifty came in 2014, although he did top-score with 48 from 29 in his last innings but one to see New Zealand to victory in Pallekele.

The leading wicket-taker in the Blast over the last two season, Pat Brown has impressed with his clear head as much as his befuddling slower balls. However, figures of 1 for 70 from seven overs in England's two tour games - albeit marred by a couple of dropped catches - suggest the 21-year-old will have to adapt quickly when the series proper begins.

Team news

The absence of Williamson perhaps makes decision-making easier at the top of the order, with Seifert likely to slot in below regular openers, Martin Guptill and Munro. Lockie Ferguson made his return from injury in England's warm-ups and is available for three games before Boult returns. Jimmy Neesham hasn't played a T20I in two years but could provide competition for Mitchell, while Blair Tickner is the other seam-bowling option in the squad.

New Zealand (possible): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Tim Seifert (wk), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Colin de Grandhomme, 6 Daryl Mitchell, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Scott Kuggeleijn, 9 Tim Southee (capt), 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Ish Sodhi

England have announced T20I debuts for Sam Curran and Brown, while Gregory could also make his international bow after Joe Denly - who had been expected to bat at No. 5 - rolled his ankle in training. Morgan confirmed that Dawid Malan will open the batting alongside Jonny Bairstow and, while the final XI will be confirmed on Friday, Banton, Parkinson and Mahmood look set to bide their time.

England (possible): 1 Dawid Malan, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 James Vince, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Sam Billings (wk), 6 Lewis Gregory, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Chris Jordan, 9 Tom Curran, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Pat Brown

Pitch and conditions

The picturesque Hagley Oval will host its first T20 international on Friday, with Christchurch set to be cool but largely clear of the rain that affected Canterbury's Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts last week (a game in which Seifert and Mitchell were among the four centurions). The ground is one of few in New Zealand built specifically for cricket and is therefore not quite such a postage stamp - which the bowlers may appreciate ahead of trips to the Westpac Stadium and Eden Park.

Stats and trivia

• Overall, in 16 T20Is going back to 2007, England are way ahead of New Zealand on boundary countback, having scored 342 (237 fours, 105 sixes) to 264 (172 fours, 92 sixes).

• England are also in front on head-to-head, winning 10 out of 15 games that have reached a result.

• Although they lost the last encounter, by two runs in Hamilton last year, New Zealand still progressed to the tri-series final against Australia on NRR thanks to another Munro assault.

Quotes

"It's a different format. We've had a tour to Sri Lanka, so life goes on and you move on."
Tim Southee says the World Cup final defeat is behind New Zealand

"Twelve months is a long way down the road, we play a lot of T20 cricket between now and then, so I think being quite flexible and trying to build a 15- or 16-man squad is actually more important than the final XI."
Eoin Morgan on England's T20I ambitions

A shiver went through Chris Lynn when he heard the news that his close friend Glenn Maxwell would be taking time away from the game for his mental health.

Lynn, who only became aware of the development when he left the field at the end of the Cricket Australia XI match against Pakistan at Bankstown Oval, spoke of his shock and added that the entire country would be behind Maxwell.

"It sends shivers down my spine when you hear something like this, Glenn's a close mate of mine," he said after the match. "When one man goes the whole team feels it; but I think the whole of Australia feels it. What he's got to realise is that, as men, we don't speak up enough about it so I'm really proud that he's really come out and assessed that cricket isn't for him right now.

"He has to realise there are 25 million people from Australia behind him and that's the main thing. Whatever we can do, whether it's more or less, we'll be there. I wish him all the best, if he needs me I'll be there."

"I feel for the bloke and just hope he can bounce back because over the last week we've seen how good he is. Cricket will have a big dent with him sat on the sidelines, but I don't want him to rush at all."

As Justin Langer did when speaking in Melbourne, Lynn talked about the pressures faced by professional cricketers and that what is on public display may only be a fraction of what is going on for a player.

"A lot of people think it's a gravy train, play for Australia and get to travel the world but there's a lot of hard work beneath the water that people don't see and the mental toughness that a lot of cricketers have to show is next level.

"It's a good thing for cricket he has spoken up, there are organisations who can help out. I've no doubt his friends and family will be most important right now. We are seeing a number of people taking a break from the game, but as I said it's not all gravy, it's a big iceberg and sometime we only see the tip of it."

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has robustly protested the PCB's decision to not allow Pakistani players to participate in the T10 League. And several accounts suggest that, according to the PCB at least, the decision to revoke the NOCs came from the board patron and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The PCB originally allowed players to be drafted in the league but unexpectedly revoked the permission last week. In a statement, the PCB said that the decision had been taken "to manage the players' workload, continued work on their fitness levels [and] to ensure primacy and participation of its player in its premier Quaid-e-Azam Trophy". The decision is a significant blow to this season of the T10 tournament, scheduled to begin on November 15, which was set to feature 16 top Pakistan players.

The T10 league's vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni sent a letter last week to the PCB chairman Ehsan Mani that the decision is directly hurting the UAE government's stakes in the tournament, and urged the Pakistani board to change its mind. Mani is believed to have told the ECB vice-chairman on the phone about the prime minister's role in the decision. He also advised the ECB to engage directly with Khan, through a senior UAE minister Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak al Nahayan (copied in ECB's original letter) to find a resolution. The ECB is thought to be weighing up the option of raising the issue of government interference in the PCB's affairs with the ICC.

"We are extremely concerned by this late decision and are surprised to see that the decision has been taken without engaging any of the Abu Dhabi T10 league or Emirates Cricket Board members," Zarooni's letter to Mani read, a copy of which ESPNcricinfo has seen. "Particularly considering that the PCB decision came after PCB has issued NOC to all the players who participated in the player draft on 16th October and various teams selected 16 Pakistani players, including Team Abu Dhabi which is owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi.

"As you must be aware, the three government entities (Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Cricket and Abu Dhabi Tourism) have officially supported and heavily invested in the Abu Dhabi T10 League to make it their home event," the letter said. "ECB is also looking to promote cricket in the country through this event and also utilising the opportunity to provide young emirates cricket players to improve their skills.

"Since this is our domestic property, ECB and UAE government have stakes in this league and the stopping of Pakistani players in the UAE governing / ECB backed league will cause serious damage to the property, sending a very negative message to the world about our cordial relationship. Emirates Cricket Board has always supported PCB and provided its ground and facilities to stage international matches and its domestic league, Pakistan Super League. In fact, the UAE as a destination has played a huge part in the success of the PSL."

Qalandars, one of three new teams in the league, is hit hardest by this decision. The majority of the Qalandars squad is Pakistani - including Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf and Imran Nazir - while other players who could be affected include Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan, Shoaib Malik and Sohail Tanvir. Afridi and Nazir, however, will not be affected by the revoking of NOCs, given they have retired from Pakistan cricket.

The PCB and T10 league have had a troubled history since the latter came into being two years ago. Last season, the PCB had held the players' NOCs till the last minute after Mani had raised concerns over the league's ownership patterns and sponsorship. The controversy started after the league's president, Salman Iqbal - also a major investor in the tournament - stepped down citing a lack of "transparency" and "proper systems and monitoring". He had also warned Pakistani players against taking part in the league.

Eoin Morgan has said he will not put any timeframe on his remaining stint as England's captain, after declaring himself "delighted" with his decision to carry on leading the team in the wake of this summer's World Cup triumph.

Morgan, who turned 33 in September, took his time at the end of the summer to confirm his willingness to carry on leading England's white-ball squads. However, he insisted he had not been tempted to bow out on a high at international level, after leading England to glory in the World Cup final against New Zealand at Lord's in July.

And now, having had time to consider his options in the off-season, he is ready to face those same opponents again, when the first of five T20Is gets underway in Christchurch on Friday.

"I'm very comfortable with the decision I made," Morgan told Test Match Special. "I'm delighted that I have made it because I feel it is the right one for myself and my team."

With England embarking on a new era under Chris Silverwood, following the end of Trevor Bayliss's stint as head coach, the continuity offered by Morgan's vast experience and respected leadership was an important consideration, and one that Ashley Giles, England's team director, had urged him to bear in mind in their discussions prior to his announcement.

And now, with England building towards next year's T20 World Cup in Australia, the T20 squad for the New Zealand series features six potential new caps - the Somerset duo of Tom Banton and Lewis Gregory, Lancashire's Matt Parkinson and Saqib Mahmood, Worcestershire's Pat Brown and Surrey's Sam Curran - all of whom can expect to feature at some stage in the coming five matches.

ALSO READ: Pressure on Guptill and Munro amid NZ top-order struggles

"We have a special group of players at the moment," said Morgan. "I feel very lucky to lead that group and I think we can do something even more special down the line."

While Morgan knows that he cannot carry on indefinitely - not least given the long-term fitness concerns that culminated in a worrying back spasm during England's World Cup match against West Indies - he has hinted he may also seek to push on towards the subsequent T20 World Cup, in India in 2021.

"I still feel I have a lot to offer," said Morgan. "I won't say I'll be finished after the next World Cup as I'd be afraid I'll only creep over the line and maybe fall off.

"I don't want to let anyone down. I want to drive through the World Cup in Australia and then make a call after that.

"There were questions over my fitness and how I would come back and play, but I think that was just lingering in my head because I was back playing county cricket two weeks after the World Cup final, and the decision was almost delayed because I didn't have time to make it.

"I think if the season had ended after the World Cup final I would have made a decision in a couple of weeks, because once I finished playing for Middlesex, the next year or two became clearer.

"When you get to the back end of your career, very few people can make a decision themselves or be in a luxurious position to make that decision, because it's more often than not made for you," he added. "So I'm delighted to carry on and hopefully offer a lot more for English cricket."

Pakistanis 138 for 4 (Fakhar 43, Babar 34, Dwarshuis 2-18) beat CA XI 134 for 6 (McSweeney 30, Lynn 24, Shadab 3-30) by six wickets

It's dangerous to read too much into one warm-up match against modest opposition, but the early signs are that Pakistan's attack will provide a much sterner test for Australia than they have faced from Sri Lanka.

An experienced bowling unit put in a solid display at Bankstown Oval to restrict the Cricket Australia XI to 6 for 134. Mohammad Irfan struck with the first ball of the tour, a searing yorker to remove Ryan Gibson, and Shadab Khan picked up 3 for 30.

Pakistan's openers, new captain Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, then added 78 for the first wicket as the target was knocked off with ease. Chris Lynn, the Cricket Australia XI captain, was impressed.

"Their fast-bowling unit they have guys who can bowl 150kph and batters are world class. They put on a clinical performance today," he said. "Irfan has an x-factor about him, then at the other end you have Mohammad Amir and we've seen for a number of years how class he is. The have a left-arm spinner in Imad [Wasim] and Shadab Khan is a genius with the ball. [Australia's] batters will have a tougher challenge."

Pakistan left out their two young quicks in Mohammad Musa and Mohammad Hasnain, alongside uncapped legspinner Usman Qadir, in favour of giving all their experienced bowlers a run before the opening T20I in Sydney on Sunday.

Irfan, who has not played a T20I for three-and-a-half years, started in fine style as he left just one stumping standing when Gibson got nowhere near the first ball of the match - much to the delight to a healthy gathering of Pakistan supporters.

After just two runs came from the first two overs Lynn responded with an onslaught as he crunched four fours and a six before being cleaned up by Wahab Riaz as the CA XI finished the powerplay on 2 for 40.

When Imad Wasim trapped Jake Fraser-McGurk lbw, it was 3 for 42 and the innings was threatening to unravel, but the CA XI managed to string together some small partnerships without every breaking loose.

Shadab, who claimed Alex Ross via a top edge, added two further scalps in his final over to suggest that Qadir will be warming the bench at least at the start of the T20I series.

Pakistan's top three all looked in decent touch, taking advantage of some enticing boundaries, with Harris Sohail striking three sixes in his 32 from 22 balls before being bowled with four runs needed as Ben Dwarshuis struck twice in three balls as he also had Asif Ali caught behind.

The CA XI legspinners, Daniel Fallins and Lloyd Pope, managed a wicket apiece with ending with an encouraging 1 for 25 from his four overs having found enough turn to cause some problems.