England vs New Zealand LIVE: Ben Stokes’ brilliant innings inspires England to victory in third ODI at the Oval
The four-match series is all square at 1-1 following England’s victory at the Ageas Bowl
England are looking to back up their impressive win at the Ageas Bowl with another victory over New Zealand when the two teams meet at The Oval this afternoon for the third one day international in this four match series.
Liam Livingstone was the star for England at Southampton, anchoring the innings with a wonderfully worked 95* from 78 deliveries in a rain-affected first innings. His heroics were needed after Trent Boult had earlier reduced England to 8-3 but Livingstone, backed up by decent knocks from Moeen Ali and Sam Curran saw the hosts up to 226-7.
In reply New Zealand lost constant wickets and could only muster 147 all out despite a fighting half-century from Daryl Mitchell. England’s win leaves this series delicately poised as the teams take to the field for the third ODI this afternoon with Jos Buttler hoping his top order batters rediscover their form ahead of the Cricket World Cup in October.
Follow all the latest live coverage of today's match in the live blog below:
England vs New Zealand
7.1
Reece Topley to Daryl Mitchell. In-swinging length ball, to leg on the back foot working, hit pad to gully for no runs, fielded by Curran.
England vs New Zealand
6.6
Chris Woakes to Tom Latham. In-swinging back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot working, missed for no runs, fielded by Buttler.
England vs New Zealand
6.4
OUT! Caught. Chris Woakes to Henry Nicholls. Length ball, off stump moves in front working, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to mid wicket, caught by Curran.
Wicket! Nicholls out for 4! New Zealand 28-3, Woakes 2-16
Nicholls wildly swung at that and it caught the edge of the bat, but flew over the slips and far short of Topley at fine leg.
There is a long way left in this game, but England on top here.
The next ball, Woakes has his man, a very bizarre and tame dismissal that Nicholls will be annoyed with himself for.
He flicks the ball off his pads and straight to midwicket, it’s an easy catch for Sam Curran, and Woakes has another wicket.
England vs New Zealand
6.3
Chris Woakes to Henry Nicholls. In-swinging length ball, middle stump down the track flick, hit pad to deep backward point for 2 runs, fielded by Topley.
England vs New Zealand
6.2
Chris Woakes to Henry Nicholls. Length ball, to leg on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs.
England vs New Zealand
6.1
Chris Woakes to Henry Nicholls. Length ball, to leg on the front foot pushing, thick edge to third man for 2 runs, run save by Topley.
England vs New Zealand
5.6
OUT! L.B.W. Reece Topley to Devon Conway. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, hit pad.
Wicket! Conway out for 9! New Zealand 24 for two, need 345 to win
Nicholls will feel that! He tries to pull Topley and it just trikes him on the body, no delay and he continues but at the pace the Surrey man bowls, he will notice that.
The next ball he drives and misses, England definitely on the front foot here.
Despite a four, Topley strikes! He has Conway trapped lbw for just nine runs, and New Zealand are struggling here in their chase at the Oval.
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