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
13.1
Ben Lister to Ben Stokes. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, mis-timed to mid on for no runs, fielded by Jamieson.
England vs New Zealand
12.6
Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Back of a length, down leg side on the back foot pulling, mis-timed to deep square leg for 1 run, fielded by Young.
England vs New Zealand
12.5
FOUR! Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Length ball, to leg on the front foot driving, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled past long off for 4 runs.
England 79-2 (13), Malan 36, Stokes 35, Ferguson 0-23 (2)
After just the one run from Lister’s over, Stokes has pulled Ferguson through midwicket for a boundary to move on to 24 at the start of the next.
He followed it up with another boundary from the next ball, slightly in the air through backward point but wide of the fielder.
Stokes hit a third boundary in the over down the ground, just too straight for Trent Boult at mid off, a lovely lofted drive from the Test captain who seems to be re-discovering his 2019 tournament-winning ODI form.
England vs New Zealand
12.4
Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Short, down leg side on the back foot pulling, well timed to deep mid wicket for 2 runs, fielded by Ravindra.
England vs New Zealand
12.3
FOUR! Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Length ball, down leg side on the front foot working, leading edge in the air uncontrolled past deep backward point for 4 runs.
England vs New Zealand
12.2
FOUR! Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Back of a length, down leg side on the back foot pulling, well timed in the air under control past deep mid wicket for 4 runs.
England vs New Zealand
12.1
Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Length ball, to leg on the back foot pushing, to cover for no runs, fielded by Young.
England 64-2 (12), Malan 36, Stokes 20, Lister 0-3 (2)
England have continued to add runs to the their total, but the flow of runs has stemmed slightly since the end of the first powerplay.
Lister has bowled a tight line and the New Zelanad fielders in the ring have done well to limit England.
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