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 232-3 (32), Stokes 117, Buttler 5, Ferguson 0-56 (5)
The introduction of Buttler has only increased England’s scoring rate.
Stokes has continued to find the boundary, motoring on to 113, and hitting two boundaries in an over from Ferguson, both just hit too hard for the fielder, who was not far away, and that will be the second drinks break.
England vs New Zealand
31.6
FOUR! Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Short, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, well timed in the air under control past deep mid wicket for 4 runs.
England vs New Zealand
31.5
Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed to mid off for no runs.
England vs New Zealand
31.4
FOUR! Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, well timed in the air under control past deep mid wicket for 4 runs.
England vs New Zealand
31.2
Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Back of a length, outside off stump backing away cutting, mis-timed to point for no runs, fielded by Phillips.
England vs New Zealand
30.6
FOUR! Trent Boult to Jos Buttler. Short, down leg side on the back foot pulling, well timed in the air under control past deep square leg for 4 runs.
Malan out for 96! England 218-3, Stokes 103, Buttler 5, Boult 3-35 (7)
Boult and New Zealand appeal for a caught behind off Malan who was on 96, the umpire signaled a wide, but the tourists have reviewed the decision to DRS.
There was a tiny spike and Malan has to go, New Zealnad have their third wicket, and for the opener it was just four runs short of a century.
He was out for 96 from 95 deliveries after steadying the innings alongside Stokes after England were left reeling at 13-2.
Boult has claimed all three of England’s wickets so far.
England vs New Zealand
30.5
Trent Boult to Jos Buttler. Off cutter length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Nicholls.
England vs New Zealand
30.3
Trent Boult to Ben Stokes. Off cutter length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to deep cover for 1 run.
England vs New Zealand
30.2
Trent Boult to Jos Buttler. Short, to leg on the back foot pulling, mis-timed to deep backward square leg for 1 run, fielded by Lister.
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