During the tour New Zealand also played in the NatWest Series, which was a triangular One Day International tournament featuring the West Indies and England.

England were forced into a change of captain for the first match of the series after Michael Vaughan twisted his knee during batting practice.

His departure meant that Marcus Trescothick was named as the stand-in captain and Andrew Strauss was called into the team to make his debut.

The opening match of the series was also significant because it was the final match of former England captain Nasser Hussain's career, he made 103 not out in England's second innings and hit the winning runs.

[1] The players of the series were named as Steve Harmison of England and Mark Richardson of New Zealand.