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
![Ben Stokes scored his first ODI century since 2017 as England take charge against New Zealand at the Oval](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/09/13/15/GettyImages-1678229036.jpg)
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
38.2
Lockie Ferguson to Liam Livingstone. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot Steer, to third man for 1 run, fielded by Ravindra.
England vs New Zealand
38.1
Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Length ball, down leg side on the back foot glancing, to fine leg for 1 run, fielded by Ravindra.
England vs New Zealand
37.6
Glenn Phillips to Liam Livingstone. Off break half volley, outside off stump on the front foot working, back to bowler for no runs.
Wicket! Buttler out for 38. England 290-4, Stokes 140, Livingstone 0, Phillips 1-32 (6)
New Zealand strike, but it’s not the wicket they really want, Buttler has gone for a useful 38 from just 24 deliveries, but Stokes is still at the crease.
Buttler just waited around on the outfield and on the replays it looked as though Phillips had just cut the crease with his back leg, leading to a no ball, but the Umpire’s decision was final if not confusing and the England captain had to depart.
England vs New Zealand
37.5
OUT! Caught. Glenn Phillips to Jos Buttler. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot Slog, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to deep mid wicket, caught by Young.
England vs New Zealand
37.4
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break back of a length, outside off stump down the track pulling, mis-timed to long on for 1 run, fielded by Jamieson.
England vs New Zealand
37.2
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by Young.
England vs New Zealand
37.1
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Conway.
England 286 for three
Here are some photos from Stokes’ wonderful innings so far:
![Stokes drives along the ground on the way to three figures](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/09/13/15/GettyImages-1678182036.jpg)
![Stokes brings up a century at the Oval](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/09/13/15/GettyImages-1678239251.jpg)
England vs New Zealand
36.6
Kyle Jamieson to Ben Stokes. Yorker, middle stump on the front foot pushing, to point for 1 run, fielded by Mitchell.
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