NZ vs ENG, 3rd ODI, Preview: In-form England aim to take lead against the injury-ridden hosts

While Williamson returns, Taylor has been ruled out for New Zealand.

Published - 02 Mar 2018, 12:59 IST | Updated - 02 Mar 2018, 12:59 IST

2 Min Read

The third ODI between England and New Zealand might well prove to be the deciding factor of the series as the team winning this game would probably become the favourites to clinch it. The series is currently locked at 1-1 as vintage England came to the fore at Bay Oval a couple of days ago. Their opponents, however, have major injury worries and will have to hunt in a pack to get past England. However, the visitors will start the game as favourites with momentum on their side.

New Zealand’s top order struggles has been a huge concern for them in this series. They have been reduced to 27/3 and 82/5 in the first two matches of the series and the time has come for one of the top three to score big in a crunch game. Moreover, they also need to make sure that the bowlers keep taking wickets as the England batsmen keep coming at them one after the other. Though the Kiwis can’t be written off as their proud home record is being challenged and they would love to set the records straight.

England, in stark contrast, is looking well-settled and the return of Ben Stokes has balanced the side beautifully. Not that they were missing him but his inclusion to the squad has made things much more easy for their skipper Eoin Morgan. The team management though would be worried about the openers who are yet to get off to a blistering start. Also, they will take this Kiwi side granted at their own peril and would be keen on taking the crucial lead in the series.

Playing Combination

New Zealand

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is set to take over reins of the team after missing the second ODI due to a hamstring injury. But Ross Taylor has been ruled out of the contest as he was injured while fielding in the last match. Mark Chapman might keep his place despite an ordinary ODI debut as Kane will replace the veteran Taylor. The remainder of the side is expected to be unchanged unless more injuries come their way at the eleventh hour.

Probable XI: Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson(c), Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

England

England has absolutely no reason to change the winning combination for the crucial encounter. But their only worry is the form of Jason Roy who has gone quiet ever since scoring the record-breaking 180 against Australia down under. Alex Hales is sitting out who can also belt the ball and Roy needs to break the shackles soon else will find himself on the wrong side. Other players are doing their job perfectly well with Morgan also regaining his form with a well-compiled half-century in the last match.

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

Head to Head

Played – 86 New Zealand – 42 England – 38 NR – 4 Tied – 2

Focus will be on

Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Kane Williamson is making his comeback after a minor injury concern which kept him out of the second ODI. His team missed him at the top of the order as they collapsed once again. He will need to make an immediate impact and will have to hold the innings together as the veteran Ross Taylor has been ruled out of the match. The middle and lower order is somewhat inexperienced and the onus will be on skipper to lead from the front. Also, he is due for a big one and what better occasion than to score in a crunch game of the series.

Jonny Bairstow (England)

Jonny Bairstow has made a name for himself as the opener in the limited overs format for England. He looked in great touch in the last game but played an uppercut only to throw his wicket away in the middling chase. With his partner Jason Roy out of form, Bairstow needs to play big innings at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Also, he is known to take the game away from the opposition once he gets his eye in the middle. A lot will depend on how he plays and set the foundation for the vintage middle order to come and pile the runs.