England captain Eoin Morgan believes the Duckworth-Lewis method deprived England of victory over New Zealand in the second ODI on Friday night.

Morgan, who made 88 from 47 balls, was one of three wickets to fall in four overs, leaving England on 275-7, 124 shy of the target, which worked against the home team in the calculation as they chased 399.  Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett were at the crease when rain began to fall with 54 required from 37 balls.

When the players returned after a 50-minute delay, the equation had been reduced to 34 runs in 2.1 overs. They fell short by 13 runs to level the series 1-1.

“Considering we got so close in the chase, it’s a little bit disappointing at the end,” Morgan said. “It’s a huge ask, not only to chase down 399 but to have 34 to chase in 13 balls, given that we set it up so deep, the guys were in and the momentum was with us – it was very disappointing that it did rain.”

Asked if he thought that England had got the worst of the DLS method, Morgan indicated he thought the system could still produce unsatisfactory results. ‘I think as the game evolves as it has done, particularly in 50-over cricket, Duckworth-Lewis could be looked at.’

Ross Taylor, who scored an unbeaten century as New Zealand piled up 398 for 5 in their 50 overs, said that the break had certainly helped his side, as they held their nerve when the teams got back out to level the series at 1-1. It bore haunting memories of the World Cup semi-final against South Africa, when the Proteas momentum was halted by rain.

Despite defeat, there were further encouraging signs for England after their 210-run victory earlier in the week. An 85-run opening stand between Jason Roy and Alex Hales got the innings off to a flying start, before Morgan provided further proof of his improved form during exhilarating partnerships of 63 with Ben Stokes and 96 with Jos Buttler.