NZ vs ENG, 2nd ODI, Preview: Evenly matched sides brace for another contest

England will be aiming to level the series at the Bay Oval.

Published - 27 Feb 2018, 16:03 IST | Updated - 27 Feb 2018, 16:03 IST

4 Min Read

New Zealand won the opening encounter in Hamilton which proved to be a cliffhanger as Mitchell Santner’s brilliance helped the home side reign supreme. England would be ruing on a lost opportunity as they had their opponents on the mat twice in the chase but failed to close the game. However, both the teams lock horns in the second One-Day International of the five-match series as the visitors would be aiming to level the series.

The Kiwis found an able duo in Ross Taylor and Tom Latham who managed to bail them out of the trouble after being reduced to 27/3. They would want to make amends for the top order failure and put up a formidable show at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday. They also crumbled under pressure in the death overs when the game was totally in their grasp. Also, a win in second ODI would help them equal their longest winning streak of 10 matches in the ODI format.

England, on the other hand, looked as the strongest side of the two in the opening game but let themselves down in the field. They would’ve been leading the series had they latched on to their catches while defending the total. However, they would be hoping to put up a decent show this time around and catch the hosts off guard in their quest to make a comeback in the series. Their approach with the bat has surely taken New Zealand by surprise and they will have to back it up with a good performance on the field now.

The pitch at the Bay Oval is expected to offer more pace and bounce compared to the one in the first ODI. Also, there is a possibility of odd showers interrupting the game. Expect the team winning the toss to bowl first citing only the threat of rain.

Team Combination

New Zealand

New Zealand have been jolted with the hamstring injury to their skipper Kane Williamson. He is most likely to miss the encounter as the selectors have called up Mark Chapman as cover for him. Tim Southee is the front-runner to lead the team in his absence. Also, the hosts would be thinking of playing an extra seamer given the bounce on offer at the venue. Ish Sodhi will be the one to make way for the seamer in that case. The remaining players are expected to retain their places for the important game.

Possible XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c)/ Mark Chapman, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (w), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

England

England also are not expected to make any changes after losing only one match. Mark Wood continues to remain on the sidelines due to an ankle injury. Though the team management will hope for a better show from the top order as early wickets had strangled them while batting. Ben Stokes had a decent comeback to international cricket though he will be itching to contribute with the bat. The bowling attack led by Chris Woakes needs to keep the pressure up which they cut loose in the opening match.

Possible XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (w), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid

Head to Head

Played – 85 New Zealand – 42 England – 37 NR – 4 Tied – 2

Focus will be on

Tom Latham (New Zealand)

Tom Latham reminded everyone his knock at the Wankhede Stadium a few months ago when he rebuilt the innings along with Ross Taylor against India. He did the same in Hamilton but was guilty of throwing his wicket away when the game was in their grasp. The team will once again look up to him if Williamson misses out due to injury. The wicketkeeper-batsman has a brilliant technique against the spinners and his knock in the middle overs might become the deciding factor again.

Jason Roy (England)

Jason Roy has been completely out of touch ever since playing a heroic knock against Australia in the first ODI. Though he looked to be regaining his form at the Seddon Park but threw his wicket away after getting into the 30s. He will be under pressure to perform as the time is running out for him with the player Alex Hales warming the bench. Also, one good innings for the opener will also keep England in the hunt for the series as Roy is known to take the game away from the opposition.