SOMERSET'S Lewis Gregory made his senior England debut against New Zealand on Friday as the two sides kicked off their IT20 series in Christchurch.

Gregory was one of three debutants for the first of five matches in the series but was restricted to largely a watching brief as England won by seven wickets.

The 27-year-old did not bowl as the hosts posted 153-5 - Chris Jordan the pick of the attack with 2-28 - and was not needed with the bat either as James Vince's 59 from 38 balls helped the tourists home.

Gregory was down to bat at seven and has been earmarked as England's 'finisher', a role which was not needed on this occasion but could prove crucial later in the series.

He will hope for a greater impact as the tour goes on, as will his Somerset teammate Tom Banton, who was left out of the side for the first match.

Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow were chosen to open the batting but Banton, who played in each of the two warm-up games, will hope for a chance to show what he can do as the series goes on.

The second match of the series is in Wellington on Sunday (1am GMT).