England back to destructive best
This chase never looked like it would happen. The pitch was super slow, the target was stiff and the only person who could make a meal of it was Kane Williamson. He was run out in the most unfortunate way, and then Ross Taylor gifted his wicket to the English to seal the game then and there.
Latham and Neesham put on a 50-run stand but the latter was taken out by home hero, Mark Wood. The rest of the batting hung around a bit before eventually folding 5 overs before the designated number.
Ah Kiwis, what can you say? They have surrendered meekly three times in a row now, and this poses serious problems for Williamson & co. The openers are horribly out of touch, in fact pretty much everyone other than the skipper is unable to buy a few runs. Tom Latham encouragingly found some form on a difficult pitch today.
But there is nothing to worry about for England. Their openers are fit and running, look as dashing as ever, their bowlers' performance have been clinical these past two games. The only concern will be the somewhat dodgy form of Adil Rashid.
Do join us tomorrow when Afghanistan take on West Indies, with both teams playing for pride, looking to sign off their campaigns with a victory. See you then!
NZ 186 (45 overs)
Trent Boult is the last man in
44.6 Rashid to Boult, OUT, it is all over. Proper leg spinner, draws him forward, he drags the foot out of the crease and Jos effects an easy stumping
Boult st Buttler b Rashid 4(7)
NZ 181/9 (43.5 overs)
43.5 Wood to Henry, OUT, bowled! Simple length delivery, Matt had backed away and the stumps are shattered
Henry b Wood 7(13)
NZ 180/8 (43 overs)
42.1 Rashid to Henry, DOT.
42.2 Rashid to Henry, 1 run, short and wide, cut to sweeper cover
42.3 Rashid to Southee, DOT, googly read well and defended
42.4 Rashid to Southee, DOT, googly again, well adjusted to play to the leg side
42.5 Rashid to Southee, 1 run, slogs this to deep mid wicket
42.6 Rashid to Henry, 2 byes.
NZ 176/8 (42 overs)
41.1 Wood to Henry, DOT, short ball and Matt cannot ramp it away
41.2 Wood to Henry, 1 run, back of a length ball that rises up and surprises him, somehow fends it off towards square leg
41.3 Wood to Southee, DOT, short again, does well to sway away Tim
41.4 Wood to Southee, DOT, length now, driven to mid off
41.5 Wood to Southee, DOT, length outside off, cut to backward point
41.6 Wood to Southee, DOT.
NZ 175/8 (41 overs)
Into the final powerplay but how does it even matter. Rashid is back.
40.1 Rashid to Southee, 1 run, driven to long off
40.2 Rashid to Henry, 1 run, googly turned to square leg
40.3 Rashid to Southee, 1 run, tossed up and it is driven to long off
40.4 Rashid to Henry, DOT, flatter and fuller, played back
40.5 Rashid to Henry, DOT, beauty of a leg spinner, beats Matt's bat on the forward defence
40.6 Rashid to Henry, 1 run.
NZ 171/8 (40 overs)
Wood is back.
39.1 Wood to Santner, DOT, round the wicket, length outside off, and straightens to beat the bat
39.2 Wood to Santner, OUT, he goes for the DRS. But that was plumb. Mitch shuffled across, Mark bowled it on a length and angled it in, strikes him on the back pad. No inside edge on that, and it is three reds on Hawk Eye
Santner lbw b Wood 12(30)
Matt Henry walks out at no.10
39.3 Wood to Henry, 3 runs, full and driven away well to deep extra cover, Root at sweeper ran a long way to save one
39.4 Wood to Southee, WIDE, angled too far across down leg
39.4 Wood to Southee, 1 run, length ball and punched to sweeper cover
39.5 Wood to Henry, DOT, full and driven to cover
39.6Wood to Henry, DOT.
NZ 166/7 (39 overs)
Plunkett is back.
38.1 Plunkett to Latham, DOT.
38.2 Plunkett to Latham, DOT.
38.3 Plunkett to Latham, OUT, and he strikes. Finally something happens in this game. Bowls an off cutter bumper, Tom goes for the pull and gloves it to the keeper
Latham c Buttler bPlunkett 57(65)
Tim Southee in at no.9
38.4 Plunkett to Southee, DOT, length outside off, defended to point
38.5 Plunkett to Southee, 1 run, full on leg, flicked to fine leg
38.6 Plunkett to Santner, 1 run.
NZ 153/6 (37 overs)
36.1 Stokes to Santner, 1 run, short and turned to deep square leg
36.2 Stokes to Latham, DOT, played back to Ben
This has turned into a snoozefest people, even the crowd is not in it anymore
36.3 Stokes to Latham, DOT, and not even when he bowls this pacy bouncer
36.4 Stokes to Latham, 1 run, mistimes the pull to mid on, and he brings up a personal milestone- his own fifty
36.5 Stokes to Santner, DOT, ducks under this bumper
36.6 Stokes to Santner, DOT.
NZ 151/6 (36 overs)
35.1 Woakes to Latham, DOT, beats the inside edge with this off cutter
35.2 Woakes to Latham, DOT, full and punched to short extra cover
35.3 Woakes to Latham, 1 run, punched to mid on for a single
35.4 Woakes to Santner, DOT, full and driven to mid off
35.5 Woakes to Santner, DOT, defended towards cover
35.6 Woakes to Santner, 3 runs.
NZ 146/6 (34 overs)
Woakes is back.
33.1 Woakes to Latham, DOT, round the wicket and angled in, too far down leg for the leg before appeal
33.2 Woakes to Latham, 1 run, works this one to deep square leg
33.3 Woakes to Santner, 1 run, fuller and firmly driven to mid off
33.4 Woakes to Latham, DOT, gets a leading edge as he looked to tuck, falls well short of backward point
33.5 Woakes to Latham, FOUR, nice shot after a while. Full and angled in, Tom punches down the ground, timed it sweetly and it ran away to the ropes
We have an invader here and he has run right upto the pitch!
33.6 Woakes to Latham, 1 run.
NZ 139/6 (33 overs)
32.1 Stokes to Latham, 1 leg byes, turns it softly to square leg for a single
32.2 Stokes to Santner, 1 run, fuller outside off, driven to cover for a quick run
32.3 Stokes to Latham, 1 run, tucked to mid on for another quick single
32.4 Stokes to Santner, DOT, punches this length ball back to Ben
32.5 Stokes to Santner, DOT, wants to push at it but the ball stuck in the pitch
32.6 Stokes to Santner, DOT.
NZ 135/6 (31 overs)
30.1 Stokes to Latham, DOT, comes round the wicket and bowls back of a length, defended on the jump
30.2 Stokes to Latham, DOT, punched back to Ben
30.3 Stokes to Latham, 1 run, angled too far down, glanced to fine leg
30.4 Stokes to Santner, 1 run, length wide of off, punched to sweeper cover
30.5 Stokes to Latham, 1 run, that would have been curtains if it had carried. Looks to pull Tom, is late on it, gets a top edge that falls between a backtracking keeper and in running fine leg
30.6 Stokes to Santner, DOT.
NZ 132/6 (30 overs)
Mitch Santner at no.8 . Archer is back.
29.1 Archer to Latham, WIDE, starts the second spell with a ball down leg
29.1 Archer to Latham, 1 leg byes, angled across, glances to fine leg
29.2 Archer to Santner, DOT, defended down the pitch
29.3 Archer to Santner, DOT.
29.4 Archer to Santner, DOT, surprise bumper, Mitch does well to sway away
29.5 Archer to Santner, DOT, flicked and falls just short of mid wicket
29.6 Archer to Santner, DOT.
NZ 128/6 (28.1 overs)
Ben Stokes on to bowl at his home ground.
28.1 Stokes to de Grandhomme, OUT, and he strikes first ball! What better start do you need as a home hero. This was a bad ball to be honest. Length on the hips, Colin helps it away, straight into the hands of deep backward square leg
de Grandhomme c Root b Stokes 3(13)
NZ 128/5 (28 overs)
27.1 Wood to Latham, 1 run, gets an outside edge on the defence to third man
27.2 Wood to de Grandhomme, DOT, short ball and it is pacy and well directed
27.3 Wood to de Grandhomme, DOT, played straight to backward point
27.4 Wood to de Grandhomme, DOT, length ball angled in, played to short mid wicket
27.5 Wood to de Grandhomme, 1 run, back of a length, punched to point
27.6 Wood to Latham, DOT.
NZ 126/5 (27 overs)
Colin de Grandhomme is the new man in
26.1 Plunkett to de Grandhomme, DOT, catches the pad on the way to the keeper. They appealed but umpire was unmoved
26.2 Plunkett to de Grandhomme, DOT, yorker on off, jammed out to point
26.3 Plunkett to de Grandhomme, DOT, length outside off, Colin misses his punch
26.4 Plunkett to de Grandhomme, DOT, length on the stumps, looks to tuck, gets hit on the pad flap
26.5 Plunkett to de Grandhomme, 1 run, this time he punches to deep cover
26.6 Plunkett to Latham, 1 run.
NZ 123/5 (25.1 overs)
25.1 Wood to Neesham, OUT, oh boy, Jimmy is unlucky here. Was looking good, had a good partnership with Tom and then this happens. Does not seem to be the Kiwis day. Mark came round the wicket, and dropped it on a length with a straight seam, it comes in after pitching, keeps a bit low, catches the inside edge onto the stumps
Neesham b Wood 19(27)
NZ 115/4 (24 overs)
Wood is back too.
23.1 Wood to Neesham, DOT, starts short at pace, Jimmy sways away
23.2 Wood to Neesham, DOT, length ball dug into the pitch, defended to the off side. And we see the first Mark Wood fall of the day
23.3 Wood to Neesham, 1 leg byes, looks to tuck, is hit on the pads but going down leg
23.4 Wood to Latham, 2 runs, back of a length on leg, tucked to fine leg for a couple
23.5 Wood to Latham, 3 runs, full and flicked away, Root at deep mid wicket does supremely well to save one
23.6 Wood to Neesham, 1 run.
NZ 108/4 (23 overs)
Plunkett is back.
22.1 Plunkett to Latham, 1 run, length down leg, glanced to fine leg
22.2 Plunkett to Neesham, DOT, length on the stumps, defended solidly
22.3 Plunkett to Neesham, 1 run, length ball cramping him for room, guided to third man
22.4 Plunkett to Latham, DOT, length outside off, defended towards point
22.5 Plunkett to Latham, DOT, flicked to mid wicket
22.6 Plunkett to Latham, 2 runs.
Literally
NZ 97/4 (21 overs)
20.1 Rashid to Neesham, 1 run, googly punched to deep extra cover
20.2 Rashid to Latham, 2 runs.
20.3 Rashid to Latham,DOT, wanted to paddle this, is hit on the pad instead
20.4 Rashid to Latham, FOUR, sweetly timed and placed. Googly dropped short, Tom punched on the front foot and got it past mid off
20.5 Rashid to Latham, 2 runs, well flighted one on middle, driven to wide long on for a couple
20.6 Rashid to Latham, 1 run.
NZ 87/4 (20 overs)
19.1 Root to Neesham, DOT.
19.2 Root to Neesham, 1 run, to mid wicket
19.3 Root to Latham, DOT.
19.4 Root to Latham, 1 run, to fine leg
19.5 Root to Neesham, DOT, short outside off, cut to point
19.6 Root to Neesham, 1 run.
NZ 84/4 (19 overs)
Brendon McCullum still cannot believe the last run-out. "I cannot for the life of me understand why Ross Taylor would do this", he quips. You can hear the disappointment in his voice. Jimmy Neesham in at no.6. Adil Rashid into the attack.
18.1 Rashid to Neesham, DOT, googly dropped short, played to cover point
18.2 Rashid to Neesham, 2 runs, turned to fine leg
18.3 Rashid to Neesham, 1 run, to square leg
18.4 Rashid to Latham, 1 run, turned to square leg
18.5 Rashid to Neesham, 1 run, googly dropped fuller, driven to mid off
18.6 Rashid to Latham, FOUR, ah good shot. Dragged short and wide, he punches on the back foot to deep extra cover
NZ 70/4 (17 overs)
Crowd cheered as soon as they saw the replay, Wood was convinced it had hit his hand too. They cheered even more because it is the home hero who effected the run-out. Tom Latham in at no.5.
16.1 Plunkett to Taylor, DOT, length ball wide of off, he misses the cut
16.2 Plunkett to Taylor, DOT, looks to guide it down but only gets it as far as backward point
16.3 Plunkett to Taylor, DOT, full now, driven wristily to short cover
16.4 Plunkett to Taylor, OUT, 1 run, this is absolute disaster! Baz on air is distraught with his former teammate. "This is nonsensical at this stage!", he says. Ross tucked this to fine leg, there was never a second there, he runs back anyway, the throw was accurate and Jos has the easy job of dislodging the bails. This time he has himself to blame for the run-out
Taylor run-out (Rashid/Buttler) 28(42)
NZ 61/3 (15.1 overs)
15.1 Wood to Taylor, OUT, oh skipper walks! But it is very, very unfortunate. The heart breaks when you see Kane walk back with his head down. Ross punched this length delivery straight down the ground, Mark reaches out for it on his follow through, gets the tip of his finger onto it, and it goes on to disturb the stumps. Kane was backing up too far because there was a run on there. Super unlucky
Williamson run-out (Wood) 27(40)
NZ 61/2 (15 overs)
14.1 Plunkett to Taylor, DOT, short and wide, it kept low, so passed under the attempted cut
14.2 Plunkett to Taylor, 1 run, guided to third man
14.3 Plunkett to Williamson, DOT, full outside off, driven straight to extra cover
14.4 Plunkett to Williamson, 1 run, length ball cut to deep cover
14.5 Plunkett to Taylor, 2 runs, steered wide of third man which allowed two instead of one
14.6 Plunkett to Taylor, 1 leg byes
NZ 56/2 (14 overs)
13.1 Wood to Taylor, DOT, length ball keeping low again, defended down the wicket
13.2 Wood to Taylor, 1 run, flicks this fuller ball to mid wicket for a single
13.3 Wood to Williamson, 1 run, length delivery that got big on Kane, must have hit a spot somewhere, fended to square leg
13.4 Wood to Taylor, 2 runs, looks to push at this length ball, gets an outside edge to wide third man, and does well to get two
13.5 Wood to Taylor, 1 run, chops the cut to third man
13.6 Wood to Williamson, DOT.
Proof of NZ's headache
NZ 47/2 (12 overs)
Mark Wood into the attack on his home ground.
11.1 Wood to Taylor, WIDE, inauspicious start down leg
11.1 Wood to Taylor, 1 leg byes, wanted to glance this down, wears it on the pad, Mark appealed but it was always sliding down
11.2 Wood to Williamson, FOUR, that is a brilliant shot! Back of a length just outside off, Kane jumps and punches past backward point
11.3 Wood to Williamson, 1 run, angles it in on a length, looks to defend and gets an inside edge towards square leg
11.4 Wood to Taylor, DOT, length outside off, defended late
11.5 Wood to Taylor, DOT, this length ball keeps a bit low, Ross is quick to defend it though
11.6 Wood to Taylor, DOT.
NZ 40/2 (11 overs)
End of first powerplay and Williamson and Taylor are doing the job of the openers again. Liam Plunkett into the attack.
10.1 Plunkett to Taylor, DOT, starts with length, defended down the wicket
10.2 Plunkett to Taylor, 1 run, slower back of a length delivery, dabbed to third man
10.3 Plunkett to Williamson, DOT, on a length wide of off, he wanted to punch but is not quite used to the pace of the pitch
10.4 Plunkett to Williamson, 1 run, run down to third man
10.5 Plunkett to Taylor, DOT, wants to guide it down again, backward point was in quickly, Kane yells out a "wait!"
10.6 Plunkett to Taylor, 1 run.
NZ 37/2 (10 overs)
9.1 Archer to Taylor, 2 runs, full on the pads and flicked away, square leg does well to save two
9.2 Archer to Taylor, FOUR, that's a typical Ross shot! Full wide of off, he stays in the crease and drives it past covers for his first four
9.3 Archer to Taylor, 1 run, quick single after hitting to mid wicket
9.4 Archer to Williamson, 1 run, back of a length, worked to mid wicket and another quick run taken
9.5 Archer to Taylor, 1 run, fends the short ball towards fine leg
9.6 Archer to Williamson, DOT.
NZ 28/2 (9 overs)
8.1 Woakes to Taylor, DOT, fuller outside off, played back to the bowler
8.2 Woakes to Taylor, DOT, almost a repeat of the KL Rahul wicket! Ross chips this attempted on drive, Chris dived forward but this was too far from him
8.3 Woakes to Taylor, 1 run, rides the bounce on this back of a length delivery, guides to third man
8.4 Woakes to Williamson, FOUR, wow! This is only man in form in all of New Zealand and this shot shows it. Friendly half volley outside off, and he punches this mid off
8.5 Woakes to Williamson, 2 runs, tucks this length ball past mid wicket for a couple
8.6 Woakes to Williamson, DOT.
NZ 21/2 (8 overs)
7.1 Archer to Taylor, DOT, length outside off, defended down the wicket
7.2 Archer to Taylor, DOT, full outside off, driven to cover
7.3 Archer to Taylor, DOT, fuller on the stumps, defended to the off side
7.4 Archer to Taylor, DOT, pacy short ball, he goes for the pull but is too high and fast
7.5 Archer to Taylor, DOT, length outside off again, Ross defends down the pitch
7.6 Archer to Taylor, 1 run.
NZ 20/2 (7 overs)
Ross Taylor walks out to join his skipper
6.1 Woakes to Williamson, DOT, back of a length outside off, punched back
6.2 Woakes to Williamson, DOT, similar length, punched to extra cover now
6.3 Woakes to Williamson, DOT, length now outside off, driven on the jump to cover point
6.4 Woakes to Williamson, DOT, jumps up and punches to cover
6.5 Woakes to Williamson, FOUR, deft! Length ball again, Kane opens the face and gets it past wide slip and the keeper for a first boundary
6.6 Woakes to Williamson, DOT.
NZ 14/2 (5.2 overs)
5.1 Archer to Williamson, 1 run, back of a length outside off, guided to third man as is his wont
5.2 Archer to Guptill, OUT, oh superb catch! So both openers still cannot find their form. And this is not the ball to get out to. Jofra threw it down leg on a length, Martin goes for the glance, too late on it, gets a glove and Jos behind dives like a man possessed and hung on to it one-handed
Guptill c Buttler b Archer
NZ 13/1 (5 overs)
4.1 Woakes to Guptill, 1 run, short of a length, tucked to mid wicket, he set off for the run, and had to hurry in
4.2 Woakes to Williamson, DOT, he looks as solid as ever. Punches this back of a length ball to cover
4.3 Woakes to Williamson, 1 run, length ball now, he opens the face at the last minute to get it past slip
4.4 Woakes to Guptill, FOUR, ah finally! Some class, some confidence from this explosive man. Gets a hittable half volley, gets out the high elbow punch down the ground and past the bowler
4.5 Woakes to Guptill, DOT, length outside off, he adjusts well to play to point
4.6 Woakes to Guptill, DOT.
NZ 7/1 (4 overs)
3.1 Archer to Williamson, DOT, fuller length on the stumps, defended on the front foot
3.2 Archer to Williamson, DOT, same length and same shot
3.3 Archer to Williamson, DOT, fuller length outside off now, defended under his eyes, as he so often does
3.4 Archer to Williamson, DOT, surprise bumper but Kane watched it well and swayed away from it
3.5 Archer to Williamson, DOT, length outside off, he lets it go
3.6 Archer to Williamson, DOT, maiden!
NZ 7/1 (3 overs)
2.1 Woakes to Williamson, DOT, left alone
2.2 Woakes to Williamson, DOT, punches this back of a length ball towards cover
2.3 Woakes to Williamson, DOT, back of a length and coming back in, strikes Kane high on the pads, there is a half appeal but this time they know it is too high
2.4 Woakes to Williamson, DOT, chops the cut on this length ball to backward point
2.5 Woakes to Williamson, 3 runs, all class. Back of a length outside off, he punches this past point and Stokes chases it down to save one
2.6 Woakes to Guptill, DOT.
NZ 4/1 (2 overs)
Skipper at no.3, he really is acting as an opener these days. Archer from the other end
1.1 Archer to Guptill, DOT.
1.2 Archer to Guptill, DOT, defended on the front foot
Replays are in and they show the ball to be missing the stumps. They should have gone for the DRS there because it did seem very high
1.3 Archer to Guptill, DOT, shoulders arms to this length delivery wide of off
1.4 Archer to Guptill, DOT, sharp bumper and Martin does well to sway away from the line
1.5 Archer to Guptill, DOT, not far from the off stump. Came back in a bit after pitching
1.6 Archer to Guptill, 2 runs.
NZ 2/1 (0.5 overs)
Guptill and Nicholls will open for the Kiwis again and they desperately need to fire today. This is a slow pitch, and scoring is going to become tough later on, the new ball is where they have to score runs off of. Woakes with the new ball for England.
0.1 Woakes to Guptill, DOT, length just outside off, some away movement, left alone
0.2 Woakes to Guptill, DOT, length again, this time on off stump, defended on the back foot
0.3 Woakes to Guptill, WIDE, NZ off the mark, but not off the bat
0.3 Woakes to Guptill, DOT, goes for the yorker already, jammed out to mid off
0.4 Woakes to Guptill, 1 run, now he is off the mark. Punches this to extra cover and takes the quick single
0.5 Woakes to Nicholls, OUT, gone first ball! And they don't review. This was landed on back of a length and nipped back in, Henry pushed at it from the crease, was on the back foot and is struck on the back pad. That seemed high to the naked eye, may have been umpire's call on wickets. Still was worth a shot
Nicholls lbw b Woakes 0(1)
Eng 305/8 (50 overs)
Southee to bowl the final over.
49.1 Southee to Rashid, 1 run, half volley outside off, drilled to cover for one. 300 up!
49.2 Southee to Plunkett, 1 run, full again, hit powerfully to wide long on
49.3 Southee to Rashid, OUT, brilliant yorker at the death! And important wicket too because these two had a nice little partnership going on. Right on the money this one, nothing Adil can do about it
Rashid b Southee 16(12)
Jofra Archer at no.10
49.4 Southee to Archer, 1 run, yorker again, well dug out to long on
49.5 Southee to Plunkett, 2 runs, somehow digs the yorker to wide long on and they run well for two
49.6 Southee to Plunkett, 1 run, low full toss and squirted away to deep mid wicket. 305 for England!
Eng 299/7 (49 overs)
48.1 Henry to Rashid, FOUR, this is turning out to be a good cameo from Adil. Backed away and slapped it over mid off for a smart boundary
48.2 Henry to Rashid, 1 run, backs away and guides to third man
48.3 Henry to Plunkett, FOUR, length ball, Liam goes for the hoick, gets it away to deep backward square
48.4 Henry to Plunkett, 2 runs, short and it is pulled well to deep backward square, protection is there this time
48.5 Henry to Plunkett, 1 run, short and pulled, a big top edge but falls well short of deep mid wicket
48.6 Henry to Rashid, 1 run.
Eng 286/7 (48 overs)
Adil Rashid is the new man in
47.1 Boult to Plunkett, 1 run, great yorker and bunted to wide long on
47.2 Boult to Rashid, WIDE, slower ball down the wrong line
47.2 Boult to Rashid, 2 runs, full and wide slower ball, Adil chips in the air looking for the big shot, sweeper cannot get round to catch it
47.3 Boult to Rashid, 1 run, dug out to short third man
47.4 Boult to Plunkett, 1 run, was looking for the big, ugly hoick, gets an inside edge that rolls towards square leg
47.5 Boult to Rashid, 2 runs, dropped at long on! It was hit in the air, dipped too quickly on Tim there, who went one handed and shelled it
47.6 Boult to Rashid, 1 run.
Eng 272/7 (46.1 overs)
Henry is back.
46.1 Henry to Morgan, OUT, superb catch! Made even better by the fact that he was initially moving away from the line of the ball. Matt rolled his fingers on the ball, Eoin is too early on the shot, and chipped it to short extra cover, who dives to his right to grab it out of thin air
Morgan c Santner b Henry 42(40)
Eng 272/6 (46 overs)
Liam Plunkett is the man at no.8 and he certainly can throw his bat around a bit. Boult is back.
45.1 Boult to Morgan, FOUR, good shot this. This is full outside off, Eoin gets a nice press forward and drives it aerially over mid off
45.2 Boult to Morgan, 1 run, pushes this length ball towards mid on
45.3 Boult to Plunkett, 1 run, short and he gets a top edge on the pull, falls well short of deep mid wicket
45.4 Boult to Morgan, 2 runs, full again and driven straight down the ground for a couple
45.5 Boult to Morgan, FOUR, short and this time he nails the pull to deep backward square. Great shot!
45.6 Boult to Morgan, 1 run.
Eng 259/6 (44.5 overs)
44.1 Neesham to Woakes, WIDE, full and past the leg stump
44.1 Neesham to Woakes, 1 run, full and wide, driven to deep extra cover
44.2 Neesham to Morgan, 1 run, length on off, Eoin gets an inside edge to fine leg and lets out a loud grunt in disgust at not getting that away
44.3 Neesham to Woakes, 1 run, guided easily to third man
44.4 Neesham to Morgan, 1 run, short and pulled to deep mid wicket
44.5 Neesham to Woakes, OUT, another one down. Jimmy bowled it full, Chris went for the drive, maybe it stuck on the pitch a bit, and he instead chips straight to mid off
Woakes c Williamson b Neesham 4(11)
Eng 254/5 (44 overs)
Chris Woakes is in at no.7
43.1 Santner to Morgan, DOT.
43.2 Santner to Morgan, 1 run, cut to short third man and they run a quick single
43.3 Santner to Woakes, 1 run, driven left of mid wicket, who dived and it is the skipper there who lets it go through him and is angry with himself
43.4 Santner to Morgan, WIDE, down leg
43.4 Santner to Morgan, 1 run, darted in outside, defended towards point for one
43.5 Santner to Woakes, DOT, good flighted one on off, chipped towards cover
43.6 Santner to Woakes, 1 run.
Eng 248/5 (42 overs)
41.1 Santner to Stokes, DOT, plays off the front foot to mid wicket
41.2 Santner to Stokes, DOT, looks to sweep, but wears the length ball on the pads, pitched outside leg though
41.3 Santner to Stokes, 1 run, pushed to long on
41.4 Santner to Morgan, DOT, full and pitching outside leg again, otherwise would have been a good leg before call
41.5 Santner to Morgan, 1 run, that is an excellent improvised reverse sweep to play with the field, but gets only one
41.6 Santner to Stokes, OUT, and the pressure building pays off! New Zealand were bowling brilliant, tight lines, the batsmen were hitting to the fielders and Ben cannot hold himself back anymore. Dances down the track, takes it on the half volley, does not get the elevation, holes out to wide long on
Stokes c Henry b Santner 11(27)
Eng 246/4 (41 overs)
We are into the final powerplay and these two have to look for atleast 325-330 from here.
40.1 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, digs out the yorker, rolls to the keeper
40.2 Neesham to Stokes, 1 run.
40.3 Neesham to Morgan, 1 run, taps this near him and sets off after Ben called him through
40.4 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, walks down a step and punches to short cover
40.5 Neesham to Stokes, 2 runs, backed away and came down, Jimmy bowled it wide, he reached out and slashed the cut over backward point, gets two
40.6 Neesham to Stokes, 1 run.
Eng 241/4 (40 overs)
Mitch Santner is back.
39.1 Santner to Morgan, DOT, full on leg, looks to hit it away, is hit on the pads instead
39.2 Santner to Morgan, WIDE, down leg
39.2 Santner to Morgan, 1 run, full on leg again, driven to long on
39.3 Santner to Stokes, 1 run, gets an outside edge on the defence to cover point
39.4 Santner to Morgan, 2 runs, short and cut to deep extra cover for an easy couple
39.5 Santner to Morgan, DOT, darted in quick and short, played to mid wicket
39.6 Santner to Morgan, FOUR, full toss down leg, Eoin got down low and swept it past short fine leg for a welcome boundary
Eng 232/4 (39 overs)
38.1 Neesham to Morgan, 1 run, short and wide, hit on the jump to sweeper cover
38.2 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, fuller on off, played to mid wicket
38.3 Neesham to Stokes, 1 run, short and pulled to deep mid wicket
38.4 Neesham to Morgan, 1 run, length ball cramped for room, played with an angled bat to third man
38.5 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, short and wide, Ben backed away and punched straight to short cover, who motions as if he will throw
38.6 Neesham to Stokes, DOT.
Incredible
Eng 226/4 (37 overs)
Neesham is back too.
36.1 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, length outside off, defended towards point
36.2 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, advances and drives the half volley straight to short cover
36.3 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, fuller and punched down the ground, not timed too well though
36.4 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, what was Jimmy appealing for there? This was a length ball on off, Ben got an inside edge onto pad
36.5 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, length outside off, cut to point
36.6 Neesham to Stokes, DOT, that could have been another! Eoin set off after Ben hit this towards short cover, who swooped in quickly and misses a frankly simple run out. That should have been 5 down. The skipper has a smile but Ben really sold him down the river there after calling for the run
Eng 226/4 (36 overs)
Ben Stokes is the new man in, and he has had a tremendous tournament with the bat. It is also his home ground, so an added motivation to do well. Southee is back.
35.1 Southee to Morgan, DOT, guides it to third man but backward point does well to stop it
35.2 Southee to Morgan, DOT, length on off, played to point
35.3 Southee to Morgan, FOUR, he is going to take on the short ball today. This was not very pacy though, and he helped away off his glove on the pull to the fine leg fence
35.4 Southee to Morgan, FOUR, this is more convincing! Gets it short and wide, and he essays the perfect late cut past backward point
35.5 Southee to Morgan, DOT, fuller on the stumps, played down the wicket
35.6 Southee to Morgan, DOT.
Eng 214/4 (34.2 overs)
34.1 Boult to Buttler, DOT, length on off, played back to Trent
34.2 Boult to Buttler, OUT, gone! Kiwis are clawing their way back into this now. Bowled it fuller, enticing Jos into the drive, he does so aerially, straight into the hands of a diving mid off
Buttler c Williamson b Boult 11(12)
Eng 214/3 (34 overs)
Skipper Eoin Morgan walks out at no.5
33.1 Henry to Buttler, 1 run, length on the stumps, tucked to deep mid wicket
33.2 Henry to Morgan, DOT, oh that is chipped in the air, but just wide of short extra cover and well short of mid off
33.3 Henry to Morgan, DOT, length on the stumps, defended
33.4 Henry to Morgan, 1 run, gets is short, it will always be to Eoin, rolls his wrists on the pull to square leg
33.5 Henry to Buttler, 1 run, full and flicked to deep square leg
33.6 Henry to Morgan, DOT.
Eng 206/3 (31.4 overs)
Henry is back now.
31.1 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, full and wide, driven to cover
31.2 Henry to Bairstow, FOUR, nice shot! Full and wide again, this time he hits the top of the ball, brought his bat down on it, and got it past short extra cover and mid off
31.3 Henry to Bairstow, 2 runs, cut in front of point for two
31.4 Henry to Bairstow, OUT, oh that is so unlucky! This was an innocuous full ball, there for the drive, no swing absolutely, Jonny looks to drive and gets an inside edge onto the stumps
Bairstow b Henry 106(99)
Eng 200/2 (31 overs)
Jos Buttler is sent up the order at no.4
30.2 Boult to Buttler, DOT, starts full, driven to mid off
30.3 Boult to Buttler, DOT, length outside off, punched softly to short cover
30.4 Boult to Buttler, FOUR, off the mark in style! Overpitched outside off, Jos crashes the drive past cover and cover point
30.5 Boult to Buttler, DOT, comes round the wicket now, and bowls a bit short, he looks to pull, does not come off
30.6 Boult to Buttler, 2 runs.
Eng 194/2 (30.1 overs)
Boult is back.
30.1 Boult to Root, OUT, and he gets the wicket straight away! This was bowled short, at good pace, down leg side though, Joe looked to pull it away and got a thin edge through to the keeper. All the Kiwis were convinced, Joe was too, that he was not out. Went up for the DRS straight away, but ultra-edge showed the slightest of edges. He has to walk
Root c Latham b Boult 24(25)
Eng 194/1 (30 overs)
29.1 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, length outside off, pushed to point
29.2 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, fuller outside off, driven to extra cover
29.3 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, huge shout from Tim, but that was always going down leg. This was a good yorker drifting in on leg, struck almost on the boots but the bowler knew it was sliding down, indicates so to the keeper
29.4 Southee to Bairstow, FOUR, horror ball to follow up, short on leg stump, slow too, helped to backward square leg
29.5 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, punches this back to Tim. He is on 96 by the way!
29.6 Southee to Bairstow, FOUR, that will be hundred! Second in a row, the crowd erupts and Jonny leaps high and punches the air. It has been an innings of classy strokes, hardly a false one and he will want to kick on to get an even bigger score
Eng 186/1 (29 overs)
28.1 Neesham to Root, 1 run, easy guide down to third man
28.2 Neesham to Bairstow, 1 run, short and pulled to deep square leg
28.3 Neesham to Root, DOT, length ball angling in, punched back
28.4 Neesham to Root, 1 run, back of a length, Joe rides the bounce and plays to third man
28.5 Neesham to Bairstow, DOT, fuller, punched to cover who misfields but they do not take the risky run
28.6 Neesham to Bairstow, 1 run.
Eng 182/1 (28 overs)
Southee is back.
27.1 Southee to Root, 1 run, guided to third man
27.2 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, looks to play without any feet, gets an inside edge onto pad, negates the leg before
27.3 Southee to Bairstow, 1 run, drives to mid on and scampers across, the stumps are broken, more in anger than anything else
27.4 Southee to Root, 1 run, walks down and looks to help it away, does so off the glove towards the keeper
27.5 Southee to Bairstow, SIX, that goes all the way! First six of the day and it is a wonderful shot. Gets it full and hammers it straight down the ground, high in the air and over the ropes
27.6 Southee to Bairstow, DOT.
Eng 173/1 (27 overs)
Joe Root gets some treatment on his nose, maybe it was bleeding a bit
26.1 Neesham to Bairstow, 2 runs, gentle length ball on middle, tucked to deep square leg for a couple
26.2 Neesham to Bairstow, WIDE, short ball deemed too high
26.2 Neesham to Bairstow, 1 run, dabbed to third man
26.3 Neesham to Root, 1 run, simple steer towards short third man
26.4 Neesham to Bairstow, DOT, looks to drive the length ball, does so to cover
26.5 Neesham to Bairstow, DOT, played with an angled bat to backward point
26.6 Neesham to Bairstow, DOT.
Talk about perfection!
Eng 156/1 (24 overs)
23.1 Santner to Bairstow, FOUR, short and he punished all balls of that length. Rocks back and pulls powerfully over a leaping mid wicket
23.2 Santner to Bairstow, 1 run, short again but outside off, punched to deep extra cover
23.3 Santner to Root, DOT, drifted in on off, defended
23.4 Santner to Root, FOUR, some unorthodoxy from Joe here! Premeditates the reverse scoop, gets it on a perfect length, softly done past keeper and short third man
23.5 Santner to Root, DOT.
23.6 Santner to Root, 2 runs.
Eng 145/1 (23 overs)
22.1 Henry to Root, DOT, tries to run it down but short third man is finer to prevent that very shot
22.2 Henry to Root, 3 runs, terrific shot that. Got it on a length outside off, Joe went back to punch, got it past covers but does not go to the ropes
22.3 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, fuller outside off, driven to mid off
22.4 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, good pacy short ball, given one for the over
22.5 Henry to Bairstow, 1 run, length on off, tucked to deep square leg
22.6 Henry to Root, DOT.
Eng 141/1 (22 overs)
Santner is back.
21.1 Santner to Bairstow, DOT.
21.2 Santner to Bairstow, FOUR, not too short, yet he rocks back and pulls to backward square leg
21.3 Santner to Bairstow, 1 run, punched down to long on
21.4 Santner to Root, 1 run, worked to short fine leg for a quick run
21.5 Santner to Bairstow, DOT, punched back
21.6 Santner to Bairstow, DOT.
Eng 135/1 (21 overs)
Henry is back.
20.1 Henry to Root, 1 run, wide of off, steered to third man despite a wide slip and backward point
20.2 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, length on the off stump, punched to mid off
20.3 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, a bit fuller, defended down the wicket
20.4 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, surprise short ball, and Jonny makes a late decision to not pull
20.5 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, low full toss, played to mid on
20.6 Henry to Bairstow, 1 run.
Eng 133/1 (20 overs)
Joe Root joins Bairstow at the crease.
19.1 Southee to Root, 1 run, length ball tucked to deep square leg
19.2 Southee to Bairstow, DOT.
19.3 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, opens the face to play the length ball to gully
19.4 Southee to Bairstow, 2 runs, comes down to flick, gets an inside edge onto pad towards fine leg for a couple
19.5 Southee to Bairstow, FOUR, bam! Short and Jonny does not care that a wicket has fallen. Pulls wide of short mid wicket for four
19.6 Southee to Bairstow, 2 runs.
Eng 123/1 (18.4 overs)
18.1 Neesham to Roy, DOT, backs away to slog, gets an inside edge and the ball gets stuck on the pad flap
18.2 Neesham to Roy, FOUR, that is a tennis swat! Short outside off, Roy swats it, and gets it over mid on easily
18.3 Neesham to Roy, FOUR, this is more traditional. Short again, he pulls on the front foot to deep mid wicket
18.4 Neesham to Roy, OUT, this is poor cricket from Roy. Had two boundaries in the over, did not need to play a shot off this one. This is a harmless length delivery directed at him, his feet are stuck like lead to the pitch, and he chips a simple chance to cover. Yells out a loud you know what, knows he has missed out big time
Roy c Santner b Neesham 60(61)
Eng 115/0 (18 overs)
We are back after the drinks break. Southee is back to bowl.
17.1 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, starts the second spell with a fuller length on off, defended down the wicket
17.2 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, similar ball, similar shot, similar result
17.3 Southee to Bairstow, 1 run, some width on this length ball, square driven to sweeper cover
17.4 Southee to Roy, 1 run, well done by mid off, this was driven wide of him but he kept them to one
17.5 Southee to Bairstow, 1 run, full outside off, powered to deep cover
17.6 Southee to Roy, 1 run.
Eng 111/0 (17 overs)
Jimmy Neesham, the other all rounder into the attack.
16.1 Neesham to Roy, DOT, starts with length outside off, played towards mid wicket
16.2 Neesham to Roy, 1 run, punched past point, and that is 50 for Roy! Second consecutive one and he looks far more settled now than a few overs ago
16.3 Neesham to Bairstow, DOT, punched past the bowler but not too wel timed
16.4 Neesham to Bairstow, DOT, short and wide, cut straight to backward point. Jonny still for that elusive run for his fifty
16.5 Neesham to Bairstow, 2 runs, and there it is. Tucks this to deep square leg and brings it up
16.6 Neesham to Bairstow, 1 run.
Eng 107/0 (16 overs)
15.1 Santner to Roy, DOT, quicker on middle, punched back
15.2 Santner to Roy, 1 run, chops the cut to point
15.3 Santner to Bairstow, DOT, high elbowed punch to mid wicket
15.4 Santner to Bairstow, 1 run, darted quicker on off, played to deep cover
15.5 Santner to Roy, DOT, pulled away but to mid wicket
15.6 Santner to Roy, 1 run.
Eng 104/0 (15 overs)
Colin de Grandhomme into the attack now.
14.1 de Grandhomme to Roy, 1 run, punches this length ball to long off
14.2 de Grandhomme to Bairstow, FOUR, superb, deft shot! Length with some width, he opens the face late and guides it really past backward point and short third man
14.3 de Grandhomme to Bairstow, 1 run, to long on
14.4 de Grandhomme to Roy, 1 run, punched to wide long off. That is the 100 partnership!
14.5 de Grandhomme to Bairstow, DOT, drifting down leg a bit, played to mid wicket
14.6 de Grandhomme to Bairstow, FOUR, this is class! A repeat of the second ball, this time he crouched a bit more to get the placement right
Yes, this happened in a professional game!
Eng 86/0 (13 overs)
12.1 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, length outside off, punched well but straight to mid on
12.2 Henry to Bairstow, FOUR, class! This is fuller, Jonny punches again, this time much straighter and it runs away to the ropes
12.3 Henry to Bairstow, 1 run, shorter on off, pulled powerfully to deep mid wicket
12.4 Henry to Roy, DOT, plays this length ball under his eyes to cover point
12.5 Henry to Roy, 2 runs, back of a length on off, softly tucked to deep mid wicket for a couple
12.6 Henry to Roy, 1 run.
Eng 78/0 (12 overs)
Mitch Santner is back.
11.1 Santner to Roy, 2 runs, well flighted on off, driven to wide long off for a couple
11.2 Santner to Roy, FOUR, same shot but in the air this time and well wide of the fielder. Maybe he is opening up when the spinner is on
11.3 Santner to Roy, DOT, shorter and quicker, played to cover
11.4 Santner to Roy, 1 run, short again, pulled to long on this time
11.5 Santner to Bairstow, 1 run, slower and fuller, pushed to long off
11.6 Santner to Roy, 2 runs.
Eng 68/0 (11 overs)
End of first powerplay and while England will be happy, the Kiwis have done well to stem the flow of boundaries here. Still, the platform is set for a big total.
10.1 Henry to Roy, 1 run, length ball straying on the pads, nudged to mid wicket
10.2 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, length outside off, defended towards mid off
10.3 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, length ball angled in, driven on the up to mid off
10.4 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, this time he plays it to short mid wicket
10.5 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, fuller on the stumps, driven to mid on
10.6 Henry to Bairstow, DOT.
Eng 67/0 (10 overs)
9.1 Boult to Roy, DOT, full outside off, driven to cover
9.2 Boult to Roy, DOT, length on off, Roy is cramped for room, gets an inside edge which goes over the stumps
9.3 Boult to Roy, DOT, my word Roy really cannot buy timing here. Gets a trashy full toss in the powerplay and he chops the drive straight to mid on
9.4 Boult to Roy, 1 run, does the smart thing, gives strike to his partner
9.5 Boult to Bairstow, DOT, punches this angled delivery to mid off
9.6 Boult to Bairstow, DOT.
Eng 66/0 (9 overs)
8.1 Henry to Roy, DOT, Roy is not looking as fluent as Jonny. Wants to drive this length ball but does not time it too well
8.2 Henry to Roy, 1 run, another example of that. Wants to drive again, gets an inside edge towards square leg
8.3 Henry to Bairstow, 1 run, played to deep mid wicket for one
8.4 Henry to Roy, FOUR, lucky! This is a good short ball, he wanted to pull but gets a top edge which flies over the keeper
The ball is hilariously lost somewhere in the covers behind the ropes. Keeper and fine leg are looking for it along with the cameramen I presume. In fact, fourth umpire walks out with a box of replacements! Ok, they retrieved it, and the crowd cheer
8.5 Henry to Roy, DOT, fuller on middle, played to mid on
8.6 Henry to Roy, 1 run.
Eng 59/0 (8 overs)
7.1 Boult to Bairstow, 1 run, fuller outside off, punched to mid off for a quick single
7.2 Boult to Roy, DOT, length ball angled across, defended towards point
7.3 Boult to Roy, FOUR, and Roy joins the fun! This is a poor short ball, not threatening at all, he pulls to the deep mid wicket fence
7.4 Boult to Roy, DOT, reads the length early, and presses forward to defend
7.5 Boult to Roy, DOT, shuffles across to drive the full ball, gets it off the inside half to mid on
7.6 Boult to Roy, 1 run.
They will if they continue like this
Eng 53/0 (7 overs)
Matt Henry is brought in early into the attack.
6.1 Henry to Roy, 1 run, walks down the track, and plays the back of a length ball towards mid on
6.2 Henry to Bairstow, 2 runs, length ball angled in, tucked to mid wicket for a couple, and that is 50 up too
6.3 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, fuller outside off, driven with a high elbow to mid off
6.4 Henry to Bairstow, WIDE, slower ball but wrong line, down leg
6.4 Henry to Bairstow, DOT, better line, length on middle stump, defended on the back foot
6.5 Henry to Bairstow, 1 run, punches this one down the ground, not timed too well, but enough for a quick run
6.6 Henry to Roy, DOT.
Eng 48/0 (6 overs)
5.1 Boult to Bairstow, DOT, first real threatening delivery to Jonny. Length ball angled across, he hangs his bat out to defend and it beats him
5.2 Boult to Bairstow, DOT, fuller outside off, driven on the up to mid off
5.3 Boult to Bairstow, DOT, length just outside off, angled across, the swing seems to have disappeared, punched to cover
5.4 Boult to Bairstow, FOUR, crunched! Full outside off, easy extension of the arms for Jonny, and he pummels it to the deep extra cover boundary
5.5 Boult to Bairstow, DOT, a bit pacier and cramped for room too, punched to cover
5.6 Boult to Bairstow, DOT.
Eng 44/0 (5 overs)
4.1 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, length on off, angling in, played towards mid on
4.2 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, pulls his length back just a bit, on off stump still, defended to mid on again
4.3 Southee to Bairstow, FOUR, terrific shot! There was a mid wicket for this shot, but Jonny merely flicks it wide of the man, in the air still but well wide of that man
4.4 Southee to Bairstow, FOUR, just over cover! Gets it full and wide of off, he drives aerially, Mitch at cover leapt up but it went just over him
4.5 Southee to Bairstow, FOUR, yup Jonny is not in a sparing mood. Short on his head, not much pace, he disdainfully pulls to the square leg fence
4.6 Southee to Bairstow, 1 run.
Eng 31/0 (4 overs)
3.1 Boult to Roy, DOT, fuller outside off, the shot does not come off as well as he would have liked
3.2 Boult to Roy, 2 runs, length outside off, Roy chops the cut but manages to get it past backward point for a couple
3.3 Boult to Roy, DOT, wide of off now, he chops the cut again, but this time it goes towards slip
3.4 Boult to Roy, FOUR leg byes, this is not a bad ball for the field set. Maybe a bit too fulldown leg, it takes the pad past the keeper. There is a short mid wicket and mid wicket for a possible edge on the flick so Kane will not be too disappointed
3.5 Boult to Roy, DOT, mistimes the pull to mid wicket
3.6 Boult to Roy, DOT.
Eng 25/0 (3 overs)
Only one over for Santner, as into the attack comes England's nemesis from the last WC, Tim Southee
2.1 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, starts back of a length, will not get too much swing with that length, defended
2.2 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, short and wide now, not too good a start this by Tim, chopped towards point
2.3 Southee to Bairstow, FOUR, first runs for Jonny! It is short and wide again, he rolls his wrists on the punch past the covers
2.4 Southee to Bairstow, FOUR, another one. Full outside off, the right length but Jonny is in good nick, runs his hands through it on the drive, gets it aerially through cover
2.5 Southee to Bairstow, DOT, better, full closer to off stump, defended on the front foot
2.6 Southee to Bairstow, 2 runs.
Eng 15/0 (2 overs)
Normalcy resumed as it will be Trent Boult with the other new ball.
1.1 Boult to Roy, DOT, huge shout from Trent but not too convincing at all. Lands it on a length, gets it to come into Roy, who fell over on his defence, that was going down leg surely
1.2 Boult to Roy, DOT, and now the keeper appeals for a caught behind. It took the pad though down the leg side
1.3 Boult to Roy, DOT, driven to mid off
1.4 Boult to Roy, DOT, much more solid, goes on the back foot to defend the length ball
1.5 Boult to Roy, FOUR, and away she goes. Full ball on the pads, Roy is all class as he simply times the flick away past mid wicket
1.6 Boult to Roy, 2 runs.
Eng 9/0 (1 over)
It is safe to say that Bairstow is the happiest in the England dressing room to have Roy back as his opening partner. He looks a different beast alongside him and the pair will look for the explosive start which blew India away. Mitchell Santner it is with the new ball for the Kiwis.
0.1 Santner to Roy, FOUR byes, what a start! Mitch dropped it short, came in with the arm, Roy went to cut, misses it completely, so does Tom
0.2 Santner to Roy, DOT, fuller on leg, defended down the wicket
0.3 Santner to Roy, DOT, this time he cuts, straight to point
0.4 Santner to Roy, FOUR, first runs off the bat! Trash ball really, low full toss outside off, he leant forward and drove through cover
0.5 Santner to Roy, DOT, better, length outside off, played to point
0.6 Santner to Roy, 1 run.
They don't have happy memories of Southee
Team News
England XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(wk), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
New Zealand XI: Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(wk), Colin de Grandhomme, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult
Eng win toss; to bat first
Williamson calls it wrong and Morgan will bat first. Says the pitch is new, and the conditions too are perfect for batting. No changes to England's team.
Kane would have wanted to bat first as well. Southee makes his first appearance at the WC instead of Ferguson who has a hamstring injury, and Henry comes back in place of Sodhi.
Kiwis look to get back to winning ways
New Zealand come into the game off the back of two heavy losses against Pakistan and Australia, while England were back to their fearsome best against hot favourites, India. So there is no doubt as to which of them will feel more relaxed about today's encounter.
Though both of them may still make it into the knockout irrespective of today's result, they will want to put in a clinical performance to carry forward some momentum into the semis and also secure their spot without worrying about other results.
You can read more of our preview here.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels | Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks