England Cricket

England’s announcement of their pre-Ashes training camp squad ahead of the series against Australia contained one surprise—the inclusion of uncapped Mark Footitt.

The 29-year-old left-arm seamer has taken 29 wickets for Derbyshire so far this season, and on the surface, his elevation to the squad may be a shock to some.

However, for what he brings on and off the field, it shows a level of forward thinking not often associated with English cricket, and one that will definitely give cause for optimism.

And while the camp in Spain will not involve batting and bowling sessions, it is a strong indication of the desire to integrate Footitt into the team for the coming months.

With the new ball, Footitt generates pace of upwards of 90 miles per hour and also has the ability to make the ball swing, even at that speed.

It means he is a valuable asset, especially as arguably the fastest left-arm seamer ever produced in England.

If he is called up for any of the Test matches, he will present quite a challenge to Australia’s batsmen, especially in swing-friendly conditions.

Their right-handers may well be unsure where to stand, for fear of being trapped leg before wicket, while their left-handers could be more susceptible to an edge behind.

Meanwhile, Footitt’s elevation shows England’s desire to integrate him into the overall squad, something that may stand them in good stead as their preparations gather momentum.

Regardless of whether they pick the Derbyshire man, the home side face the prospect of Australian left-arm seamers Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson roaring in against them.

Johnson will have a great deal of confidence from the mauling he handed England last time out, while Starc has been in superb form for months now in all forms of the game.

If they have Footitt on hand as a net bowler, England’s batsmen can at least get some solid preparation in beforehand, as he is very similar to his Australian counterparts.

Of course, there is no way to replicate a match situation, but the hosts will definitely appreciate getting some idea again of what they will be facing.

Having been so traumatised by Johnson in the last series, the more help they can get before the series starts, the better.

The decision to include Footitt at this stage also indicates a new way of thinking in the England setup, led by Andrew Strauss as director of cricket and new coach Trevor Bayliss.

For years, the English were notoriously slow to come up with new ideas and new ways to combat difficult opponents, and they found themselves exposed on numerous occasions.

However, under the new regime and with captain Alastair Cook, they are becoming bolder in their direction and more inclined to try new strategies.

It has already paid off in the ongoing one-day international series against New Zealand under interim boss Paul Farbrace, and it should stand them in good stead moving forward.

The inclusion of Footitt is a small step in the right direction but shows just one facet of what is an exciting time for English cricket.

England and New Zealand conclude their run-filled ODI series on Saturday with a winner-takes-all showdown at Durham Emirates ICG.

The hosts were outstanding in the fourth one-dayer in Nottingham on Wednesday, setting a new record for their highest-ever run chase as they eased to a target of 350 with seven wickets to spare.

The victory levelled the series at 2-2, making the last match a shootout to decide who will lift the trophy.

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2015

Time: 10:30 a.m. BST

Venue: Durham Emirates ICG, Durham

Live stream and TV info: Sky Sports (UK), SKY Sport (New Zealand), SuperSport (South Africa), STAR Sport (India), NowTV (UK—streaming service)

Weather: There could be some early rain on Saturday, per BBC Weather. However, it should clear in time for play to start on time. Conditions are expected to be cool and overcast for the match.

Overview

England have the chance to win a series on home soil for the first time since 2012, per Howstat.

However, no matter what the result in the fifth and final one-dayer, the series has already been a successful one for captain Eoin Morgan and his young side.

There was much talk, particularly after a miserable Cricket World Cup earlier in the year, about England's 50-over team beginning a new era.

Morgan himself spoke prior to the series about the need to be brave, per Stephen Brenkley of the Independent: "We want to be unclouded in the way that we play and put opposition sides under pressure as much as we can."

They have certainly put New Zealand under pressure in the last four matches.

The batting unit has been the biggest plus—England have scored over 300 or more on each occasion, while Jason Roy (95.55) is the only member of their top seven who has a strike rate for the series under 100.

They achieved the fourth highest chase in ODI history in the last match, astonishingly overhauling their opponents' total of 349 for seven with 36 balls to spare.

New Zealand, though, have also had plenty of success with the bat.

Ross Taylor hit back-to-back centuries in games two and three (both victories for the tourists), while Kane Williamson has made 346 runs in four innings.

The bowlers on both sides have suffered, though the Black Caps are not helped by the absence of left-arm seamer Trent Boult due to a back injury.

Chris Jordan and Liam Plunkett are both missing for England, who have called up Craig and Jamie Overton from Somerset to replace the sidelined duo, per ESPN Cricinfo.

Whether either of the siblings are thrown in at the deep end remains to be seen, with the hosts having to decide whether they want to tinker with a successful XI.

The Kiwis could opt to recall spinner Nathan McCullum, while seamer Andrew Mathieson has joined up with the squad. The 25-year-old had been playing club cricket in England, per George Dobell of ESPN Cricinfo.

Key players

England

Captain Morgan has been electric with the bat. Promoted up to four in the order, the left-hander has scored 322 runs so far, including making 113 to lead his side to victory at Trent Bridge last time out.

It is a far cry from the batsman who looked so woefully out of form during the World Cup: Morgan made 90 runs in five innings.

New Zealand

While Morgan has been in inspired form, his opposite number has threatened without making a major impact.

Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum has only lasted for only 66 deliveries in the series, though he has scored 95 runs during the limited time he has spent at the crease. The right-hander is due a big score, and there would be no better time to find form than in a deciding match.

ODI Form (Most Recent Results First)

England: WLLWNWL

New Zealand: LWWLLWW

Squads

England

Eoin Morgan (capt), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, David Willey, Mark Wood

New Zealand

Brendon McCullum (capt), Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Andrew Mathieson, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ben Wheeler, Kane Williamson

Back in January, Eoin Morgan announced his intention to take part in this year’s Indian Premier League.

He admitted, per Chris Stocks in the Guardian, that the downside to the decision was that his hopes of earning a Test recall had to be “scaled down a bit.”

Rather than spend the start of the English summer plying his trade in county cricket, the batsman wanted to head out to the subcontinent to take part in a Twenty20 tournament.

However, Morgan’s century for England in the fourth one-dayer against New Zealand may have done more to boost his chances of a Test comeback than any number of runs in domestic action.

Forget about his choice to head off to the IPL—the man can bat.

A 73-ball hundred won’t normally lead to calls for a Test call-up, but the national selectors must have made an extra note or two after witnessing the left-hander’s dazzling display at Trent Bridge.

The Irishman’s knock of 113, which included five sixes and 12 fours, certainly caught the attention of Paudie Griffin on Twitter:

Morgan's been hard done by in the test team too. Was the scapegoat after the 2012 pakistan series and hasn't got another chance #ENGvNZ

— Paudie Griffin (@pgriffin92) June 17, 2015

Morgan has made 16 Test appearances for England. He hit two centuries in 24 innings, but a miserable series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates saw him dropped.

When he was left out for the tour to Sri Lanka in 2013, England's director of cricket Andy Flower said of Morgan (via Andy Wilson of the Guardian): "He has got some work to do on his Test game."

He had developed a dipping, spinning manoeuvre, leaving him in a crouched position just before the point of delivery. Thankfully, though, he has gone back to standing still at the crease, instead relying on his tremendous hand speed and ridiculously flexible wrists, rather than any odd-looking trigger movement.

But despite being an integral member of England’s ODI and Twenty20 teams, Morgan is still waiting for another opportunity in Test cricket.

His clean hitting during the day-nighter in Nottingham was a timely reminder of what he’s capable of doing at the highest level, and team-mates Sam Billings and Joe Root—who scored a century himself—and Ben Stokes were certainly impressed:

So proud of all the lads performances today! A pleasure to watch @Eoin16 at the other end! Words can't describe it! pic.twitter.com/u12HZYkXjA

— Joe Root (@root66) June 17, 2015

https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/611282835572412418

An absolute exhibition from the boys @Eoin16 @joeroot05 @AlexHales1 ! What a win, bring on Durham! #taaaap 😎

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) June 17, 2015

Morgan's average in the current series against the Kiwis stands at 80.50, with three half-centuries to go with his ton. He has plundered his runs at a strike rate of 125.29 and has hit 16 sixes (Alex Hales sits second on England's list, having managed seven maximums so far).

It is all a far cry from the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where he made a grand total of 90 runs in a dismal tournament that saw England knocked out in the group stage.

Now, though, the 28-year-old is reaping the benefits of playing in an ODI team that is free to express themselves, a team encouraged to play positively and not be paralysed by the fear of failure.

Asked on Sky Sports to give a reason for the change in his own form after the seven-wicket win on Wednesday, he simply said: "It’s more the carefree attitude.”

Having thought his chances of playing in the Ashes were diminished by his trip to the IPL, Morgan is quickly working his way back into contention with his one-day performances.

England also has some concerns over their top six in the Test team.

Gary Ballance struggled in the series against New Zealand, finding it particularly tough going against the left-arm seam of Trent Boult. Australia can send not one, but two lefties at him in the coming months, with Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc in their squad.

Ian Bell, meanwhile, suffered a dramatic batting funk following a first-innings century in the opening Test on the West Indies tour.

He made just 43 runs in four innings against the Kiwis, though he has since plundered 111 after returning to play for Warwickshire, per BBC Sport. 

Both Ballance and Bell have enough credit in the bank (the former averages 52.19, while the latter has hit 22 Test hundreds) to remain in the side for the start of the Ashes.

But, should England suffer a sticky start against Australia, or if a batting spot opens up due to injury or a lack of form, Morgan may just get another crack at Test cricket.

Eoin Morgan and Joe Root both scored centuries as England chased a record 355 to tie the one-day international series against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

The Black Caps made 349-7 after winning the toss and electing to bat in the fourth match of the series in Nottingham.

So Eng need 350 to win & level the series. Can they do it? Retweet for yes, favourite for no. http://t.co/k5qZWhdMsk pic.twitter.com/p8BSut8CQh

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 17, 2015

However, Morgan (113) and Root (106 not out) shared a 198-run third-wicket partnership as the hosts levelled the series at 2-2 to set up a decider at Chester-le-Street on Saturday.

			Runs	Minutes	Balls	4s	6s
Roy	c Williamson	b Henry	38	49	35	5	1
Hales		b Henry	67	39	38	7	4
Root	not out		106	142	97	13	0
Morgan	c Henry	b Southee	113	109	82	12	5
Stokes	not out		19	19	12	2	1
Extras		0nb 3w 0b 4lb	7
Bowler			Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Wheeler			8	1	75	0
Southee			10	0	70	1
McClenaghan			8	0	64	0
Henry			10	0	77	2
Williamson			4	0	28	0
Santner			4	0	32	0

Kane Williamson top-scored for NZ with 90, but six batsmen made significant contributions for the tourists.

Another milestone for Kane Williamson - 3,000 ODI career runs. In very good company: http://t.co/I6qm3Ta73A #EngvNZ pic.twitter.com/UFfERZWK5P

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 17, 2015

The opening pair of Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill put on 88 in 13 overs before the captain was caught behind off Mark Wood for 35.

Guptill reached 53 before Steve Finn took a great catch at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Ben Stokes.

However, Williamson and Ross Taylor, who both scored centuries in Sunday’s win at the Rose Bowl, put on 101 for the third wicket.

Most ODI runs for NZ in a year: 1067 RTwose in 2000 987 Williamson 2015 921 SFleming 2004 913 Guptill 2015 891 Astle 1998 882 RTaylor 2015.

— Cricket Record (@cricinfo_record) June 17, 2015

Taylor was trapped lbw by Finn for 42 before Williamson missed out on an eighth ODI century by hitting David Willey to Adil Rashid at mid-on, having hit 12 boundaries and a six in his 70-ball innings.

NZ still managed to score 99 runs in the 8.3 overs after his departure with Grant Elliott finishing 55 not out and young Mitchell Santner blazing his way to 44 off 19 balls, all four of his sixes coming in a single Rashid over.

Rashid has just bowled the second most expensive over by an England bowler in an ODI - 28 runs. Finn most expensive, 29 v NZ at World Cup.

— Stephan Shemilt (@stephanshemilt) June 17, 2015

England’s reply started briskly with openers Alex Hales and James Roy scoring 97 in the Powerplay before Matt Henry removed both in his opening two overs.

Hales made a career-best 67 from 38 balls before playing on to the left-hander and Roy (38) smashed one to Williamson at extra cover.

England score 97 runs from the Power Play. Their highest score at end of 10th over in ODIs is 103-1 against India in 2011 (stats since 2001)

— Mazher Arshad (@cricket_U) June 17, 2015

However, Morgan and Root batted wonderfully with the captain passing fifty for the fourth consecutive match before reaching three figures by smashing Henry into the stands at deep mid-wicket.

Hundred for Morgan, off 73 balls, a quite magnificent knock. Eng 295-2 off 37 overs. http://t.co/luaZp9TmuP #EngvNZ pic.twitter.com/xqjCFZSUFu

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 17, 2015

The skipper eventually departed when he top-edged an attempted hook off Tim Southee but not before hitting 12 boundaries and five sixes in a 82-ball innings that set the foundation for the victory.

Root brought up his sixth ODI hundred, and the second of the series, from 94 balls with a streaky pull off Southee and hit the winning boundary as England reached their target with six overs to spare.

4 - @ECB_cricket have recorded the fourth highest successful run chase in ODI history. Pursuit.

— OptaJim (@OptaJim) June 17, 2015

They usurped the highest previous run chase in an ODI in England, 326 by India in 2002.

New Zealand get the chance to wrap up the one-day series against England, with a game to spare, when the two teams go head-to-head again on Wednesday. 

Victory at the Ageas Bowl in the last match means the Kiwis are now 2-1 up with two to play, starting with a day-night fixture at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. 

England has seen some green shoots of recovery after their dismal performances at the Cricket World Cup, though they need back-to-back victories if they are to record their first series triumph at home since 2012.

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Time: 2 p.m. BST

Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England

Live stream and TV info: Sky Sports (UK), SKY Sport (New Zealand), SuperSport (South Africa), STAR Sport (India), NowTV (UK—streaming service)

Weather: Conditions will be fine for the start of the day-nighter, per BBC Weather, but a strong breeze could bring in some rain as the contest wears on.

Overview

England's best-laid plans were dealt a blow when pace duo Chris Jordan and Liam Plunkett both suffered injuries in the second ODI that ruled them out of the rest of the series, per Sky Sports.

The solution to the problem has been to make it a family affair—twin brothers Craig and Jamie Overton, both of Somerset, have been called up as replacements.

It remains to be seen if they will get to play, though Jamie admitted—per BBC Sport—that there is healthy competition between the siblings: "We've always had that bit of rivalry between us. One has always had that little step ahead, and then the other has always caught up and gone ahead—that has helped us."

The hosts fielded Mark Wood and David Willey in place of Jordan and Plunkett at the Ageas Bowl, and the pair did their cause no harm.

Wood showed excellent pace as he picked up one for 44 from his 10 overs, the most economical spell completed by a bowler from either side so far in the series.

Left-armer Willey, meanwhile, knocked over Martin Guptill early on his way to figures of three for 69. He also dismissed Kane Williamson, though not before the batsman had reached his century.

Ross Taylor also struck a ton for New Zealand, helping the tourists move past England's total of 302 all out, with three wickets and six balls to spare.

The home side should have posted a bigger score in their innings, but their desire to play an attacking brand of cricket led to them being bowled out with more than four overs to spare.

Skipper Eoin Morgan, however, told Sky Sports that they would continue to be "positive": "I think for a while now we've always played within ourselves and always batted up before the end but for a long time we were looking like getting 350-plus, and that's exciting to see, particularly when we're trying to change our mentality with the bat.

Injuries are hurting New Zealand, too. Trent Boult will sit out the remaining games of the tour because of a stress-related back problem, per Alan Gardner of ESPN Cricinfo.

Corey Anderson was already sidelined with a similar issue, leaving the Black Caps without two key members of the side that reached the World Cup final earlier this year.

Young seamer Ben Wheeler was handed a debut in the last match, the left-arm seamer picking up three for 63 in a match where England lost their last five wickets for just 14 runs.

The tourists have also drafted in Colin Munro, who has been playing county cricket for Worcestershire, to bolster their numbers, per sportal.co.nz.

Key players

England

Eoin Morgan has looked rejuvenated at the start of the summer: He has scored runs consistently (three successive half-centuries) since being moved up to bat at four in the order.

The captain has also been impressive in the field, looking for wickets rather than only being concerned about containment. It is vital the Irishman continues to be positive at all times.

New Zealand

With the outstanding Boult no longer available, there is even more responsibility on the shoulders of his new-ball partner, Tim Southee.

The seamer has an impressive strike rate of 35.2 in 50-over cricket, and his skipper, Brendon McCullum, will lean on him in times of need.

ODI Form (Most Recent Results First)

England: LLWNWLL

New Zealand: WWLLWWW

Squads

England

Eoin Morgan (capt), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, David Willey, Mark Wood

New Zealand

Brendon McCullum (capt), Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ben Wheeler, Kane Williamson

England may now find themselves 2-1 down in the one-day series against New Zealand, but they should not be too downhearted.

It says much about how far Eoin Morgan’s team has come in such a short space of time that there was an air of disappointment at the Ageas Bowl when they only made 302 in the third ODI.

The hosts looked set to post a seriously big score when they sat at 288 for five with 51 deliveries to go in their innings.

However, they lost their last five wickets for 14 runs to be bowled out in 45.2 overs. In being aggressive, they had fallen into the trap of failing to use up all the balls they had at their disposal.

It proved costly too, as the Kiwis—powered by centuries from the experienced duo of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor—went on to chase down their target, with three wickets and six deliveries to spare.

England could look back at what might have been, though there were still plenty of positives to take out of the loss.

Their new outlook to 50-over cricket at the start of the summer has done much to wipe away the nightmare campaign at the Cricket World Cup. The crowd, unsurprisingly, went flat during the batting collapse, but they will keep the faith while they can see signs of growth.

Morgan admitted to Sky Sports there was a new approach: "I think for a while now we've always played within ourselves and always batted up before the end but for a long time we were looking like getting 350 plus and that's exciting to see, particularly when we're trying to change our mentality with the bat.”

There will be bumps along the way of course, but results are not the main priority at this stage.

Even still, as Charlie Reynolds pointed out on Twitter, England did still create a bit of history in defeat:

Amazing that this is the first time England have made 300+ in three consecutive ODIs. #ENGvNZ

— Charlie Reynolds (@cwjreynolds) June 14, 2015

It begs the question, are the scores being posted in the series just down to a new, attacking outlook?

That might be the foundation for what is happening, yet there are other reasons why 300 is now viewed as a “pretty good score,” as Morgan said in the Sky Sports interview after the loss in Southampton.

When England returned home after their miserable World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand, it was clear changes needed to be made.

Ian Bell has been pushed aside at the top of the order, replaced by Jason Roy who, while not quite as aesthetically pleasing, has a List A strike rate of 106.91.

Roy, together with fellow opener Alex Hales, is there to make the most of the opening power play. He likes to score quickly—in four-day cricket the right-hander smashed 111 runs in a session while playing for Surrey.

Another player who has quickly built a big reputation in domestic action is Sam Billings.

A wicketkeeper-batsman from Kent, Billings has been asked to bat at seven in the order. It is not an easy role, considering you often arrive at the crease knowing quick runs are needed.

His first two outings did not go according to plan (he made three and 12), but at the Ageas Bowl he showed his talents by making 34 in just 16 balls.

Roy and Billings are not just batsmen with a desire to dominate. They are also fresh into the international setup, new faces not carrying any baggage from what has happened previously.

England has tried their Test players in the format—Bell, Gary Ballance and former captain Alastair Cook being three such examples—as they have not grasped what is required in a batsman to thrive.

Of those who have been around for a while and have the selectors have kept faith in, the decision has been taken by team management to move them all up the order.

Joe Root has spent the vast majority of his ODI career at four, but has now been pushed up one spot. He has responded to the switch by hitting 164 runs in three innings against the Kiwis.

His ascension to three has also allowed captain Morgan to come in at four, and he has since hit three successive half-centuries, not bad for a man who mustered a grand total of 90 runs in five innings at the World Cup.

Jos Buttler has also had a promotion. Now batting at six, he gets more time to play, and that can only be a good thing.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has a simple policy, as he told Scyld Berry of the Telegraph: “My method is to score as many runs as I can as quick as I can.”

Ben Stokes—overlooked for the World Cup but now an integral part of the national team in all forms of the game—seems to work to the same rule as Buttler.

The Durham all-rounder made 68 from 47 balls at the Ageas Bowl, gathering such a head of steam that he couldn’t slow down when he was stuck with only the tail for company at the end.

Stokes was the eighth wicket to fall, bowled by Ben Wheeler when looking to launch the seamer into the sea.

It could have been considered a careless way to go. The home team needed to see out their 50 overs, but the left-hander was only thinking of playing big shots.

Yet Stokes, and the rest of the side, should be forgiven for being too bold.

With new faces, a batting order that looks more logical and a newfound desire to express themselves, England can afford the odd setback for the greater good. They're in it for the long haul.

New Zealand successfully chased 303 as they beat England by three wickets in the third one-day international at Southampton.

Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor both scored centuries as the Black Caps reached their target with six balls to spare.

The tourists now hold a 2-1 lead in the series after their victory at the Rose Bowl.

Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor both hit fine centuries to help @BLACKCAPS win the 3rd #EngvNZ ODI by 3 wickets pic.twitter.com/TY6Kkqv4Yj

— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2015

Joe Root, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes all scored half-centuries as England passed 300 for the third consecutive time in this series.

However, they were dismissed in 45.2 overs as they collapsed from 288-5 with Tim Southee and debutant Ben Wheeler taking three wickets apiece.

.@englandcricket lose their final five wickets for 14 runs. @BLACKCAPS need 303 to win. More: http://t.co/jjKOjNMIOP pic.twitter.com/YAy7stcN0B

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 14, 2015

Openers Alex Hales (23) and Jason Roy (9) were dismissed in the space of three balls as the hosts slipped to 34-2 in the seventh over, but Root and Morgan put on 105 for the third wicket.

Third 50 in this series up for the skipper from 67 balls: http://t.co/jjKOjNMIOP pic.twitter.com/DYCvPEbpOX

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 14, 2015

Root hit six boundaries in making 54 from 63 before being clean bowled by Mitchell Santner, and Morgan made 71 from 82 before also falling to spin, bowled by Williamson after failing to connect with an attempted slog sweep.

Stokes was the most aggressive as he hit seven boundaries and two sixes in his 68 from 47 balls. That included a 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Sam Billings, who made an international-best 34 from 16 balls.

A fifty-run stand in 4.3 overs for Stokes & Billings. Eng close in on 300 for 3rd inns in a row for the first time http://t.co/84w4dqEnTL

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 14, 2015

However, Stokes played one expansive shot too many and was the eighth man out at the end of the 43rd over. NZ then polished off the tail as England failed to use 28 balls of their allocation.

New Zealand’s openers were also back in the pavilion inside seven overs with Martin Guptill (2) and Brendon McCullum (11) trapped lbw by David Willey and Mark Wood, respectively, both bowlers playing in their second ODI.

WICKET! Guptill heads back to the pavilion for two after Willey traps him plum lbw: http://t.co/jjKOjNMIOP pic.twitter.com/xJIOPmEk7g

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 14, 2015

However, Williamson and Taylor made batting look comfortable as they shared a 207-run partnership, a record for any wicket by New Zealand against England in ODI cricket

7 - Williamson and Taylor have put on seven century ODI stands; only Astle and Fleming (nine) have recorded more for @BLACKCAPS. Partners.

— OptaJim (@OptaJim) June 12, 2015

Taylor was dropped twice off Wood, by Jos Buttler on 67 and Stokes on 72, but Williamson was chanceless in bringing up his century off 88 balls.

Kane WIliamson 24y-310d now has 17 intl 100s At this very age only Sachin Tendulkar 26 & Virat Kohli 19 have made more intl 100s... #EngvNZ

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 14, 2015

He was afforded a life when Wood put down a simple catch at mid-off from Willey's bowling before Taylor reached his 14th ODI century, and his second in three days, from 105 balls.

Wood did take a much tougher catch to end Williamson's innings on 118, giving Willey a second wicket in the process, and when Grant Elliott (5) was caught at slip off Adil Rashid, it left NZ needing 54 from the final 10 overs.

Santner (21) edged Stokes to Root at slip and Taylor finally departed for 110, with NZ still 13 runs short of their total, when he was bowled by Willey.

Stokes removed Luke Ronchi (13) in the penultimate over, but Southee hit the winning boundary.

New Zealand got home with an over to spare and now lead the series 2-1. http://t.co/csgKdMbAHu #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/idSL7dZRv5

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 14, 2015

The teams head to Nottingham for the penultimate game of the five-match series on Wednesday.

England and New Zealand head to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton locked together at 1-1 in their five-match one-day series.

The third game, which gets underway at 10.30 a.m, has a lot to live up to after Edgbaston and the Oval provided hugely entertaining encounters that saw plenty of runs.

The hosts scored 408 for nine—their highest ever ODI total—to win the opener in Birmingham, only for the Black Caps to battle back in a day-nighter on Friday that was hampered towards the end by rain.

Date: Sunday, June 14, 2015

Time: 10.30 a.m. BST

Venue: Ageas Bowl, Southampton, England

Live stream and TV info: Sky Sports (UK), SKY Sport (New Zealand), SuperSport (South Africa), STAR Sport (India), NowTV (UK—streaming service)

Weather: After a cool start to the day, temperatures will lift during Sunday afternoon, according to met office.gov.uk, though there is a small possibility of rain hindering play.

Overview 

In two matches, England has gone a long way to burying the memory of their miserable campaign at the Cricket World Cup.

They have certainly looked a different side when it comes to batting, following up their first 400-plus score in the opening ODI, with 365 for nine in a losing cause at the Oval.

Skipper Eoin Morgan was pleased with the way they played in defeat, telling Sky Sports: "It's a great lesson for our youngsters, the fact that we did come so close to chasing 399, so it's not a bad day for us and it's a continuation of the way we want to play our cricket."

The English weather did not help the home side in their run chase. They needed 54 from 37 deliveries when the heavens opened, forcing the players from the field.

When they returned, the Duckworth-Lewis system had altered the requirement to 34 from the 13. England ended up 13 runs short, though they did post their biggest ever score batting second, as confirmed by S Rajesh of ESPN Cricinfo.

There is a short turnaround before the two sides take the field again on Sunday, and England could have to make an enforced change to their XI.

As George Dobell made reference to in his ESPN Cricinfo report, Chris Jordan was unable to bowl his 10th and final over after "appearing to sustain a side strain." He also batted below Liam Plunkett, having been down on the scorecard to come in at the fall of the seventh wicket.

The other seam-bowling options in England's squad are Durham's Mark Wood and Northamptonshire all-rounder David Willey, who would bring a left-arm option to the attack.

New Zealand, meanwhile, will be unable to call upon Corey Anderson for the rest of the series. A back injury, per BBC Sport, has forced the all-rounder to cut shot his tour.

The Kiwis reached a major landmark at the Oval, as ESPN Cricinfo tweeted it was their 300th victory in ODI cricket.

Brendon McCullum admitted, per Sky Sports, that he feared his side's total of 398 for five was not going to be enough at one stage: "I thought 400 was a good start, but there are no guarantees in this day and age—the wicket was pure, the outfield was fast and the players that they possess are always going to be dangerous."

The tourists have good memories of travelling to Southampton—they recorded an 86-run win at the venue in 2013, Martin Guptill leading the way with a stunning knock of 189 not out, according to HowStat.com.

Captain Morgan, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and batsman Joe Root are the only three England players in the current squad who appeared in that game two years ago.

ODI Form (Most Recent Results First)

England: LWNWLLW

New Zealand: WLLWWWW 

Key players

England

Runs have not been an issue for England so far. However, their bowlers endured a tough day at the office on Friday.

Steven Finn picked up one for 69 from his 10 overs and, with Jordan a doubt, he needs to step up and lead the attack. Wickets up front are going to be crucial in deciding the outcome of the series.

New Zealand

Trent Boult has been the outstanding bowler in the series to date. The left-arm seamer is the only player on either side who has an economy rate of under six.

He has continued on from his fine performances at the Cricket World Cup, where he finished level with Australia's Mitchell Starc at the top of the wicket-taking charts.

Squads

England: Eoin Morgan (capt), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, David Willey, Mark Wood

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt), Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ben Wheeler, Kane Williamson

England will be looking to build on their emphatic win in Birmingham when the one-day series against New Zealand shifts to the Oval, London, on Friday.

The hosts recorded a 210-run triumph at Edgbaston on Tuesday to go 1-0 up in the five-match series. It was their biggest victory ever when batting first in a match.

The Kiwis, meanwhile, will want to get back to the form they displayed during the Cricket World Cup earlier in the year. They had won 10 games on the spin before defeat to Australia in the tournament final.

Date: Friday, June 12, 2015

Time: 1 p.m. BST

Venue: The Oval, London

Live stream and TV info: Sky Sports (UK), SKY Sport (New Zealand), SuperSport (South Africa), STAR Sport (India), NowTV (UK—streaming service)

Weather: It will be warm with the possibility of thundery showers on Friday, according to BBC Weather, meaning we could see delays to proceedings, particularly during the evening.

Overview

England could not have asked for a better start to their one-day summer than the display they turned in at the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Put in to bat, centuries from Joe Root and Jos Buttler helped the home team amass 408 for nine. It was their highest score ever in a 50-over fixture, passing the 391 for seven they made against Bangladesh in 2005.

It was also the perfect response to a miserable Cricket World Cup campaign where they failed to make it out of their group.

Opposing captain Brendon McCullum was certainly impressed, per Sky Sports: "It was the complete performance by England. Special performances from Joe Root and Jos Buttler, I thought they were outstanding and to post 400 in any game is outstanding, credit to England, they blew us off the park."

Now, though, England have to show they are capable of doing it on more than one occasion in a series.

While no one will expect them to make scores in excess of 400 every time they go out to bat, they can continue to play with the same freedom they displayed on Tuesday.

Jason Roy and debutant Sam Billings both failed in their first knocks for England's ODI side (the former actually played against Ireland in the washed-out game earlier in the summer, but he never made it to the crease).

Opener Roy fell to the first ball of the match without troubling the scorers, while wicketkeeper-batsman Billings, who did not don the gloves due to Buttler's presence in the XI, was leg before wicket for three. 

James Taylor, David Willey and Mark Wood were the three unused players in England's 14-man squad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIy4dRbCo8

As for New Zealand, they will be eager to prove that the opening defeat was just a blip.

The vast majority of the side that reached the Cricket World Cup final earlier this year are still in place, though Tim Southee was "rested" for the opening ODI, per Stuff.co.nz.

Mitchell McClenaghan was picked in Southee's place but found the going tough, the left-arm paceman conceding 93 from his 10 overs. 

With Daniel Vettori now retired from international action, all-rounder Mitchell Santner was handed a debut. He took one for 64 in eight overs with his left-arm off-spin, then contributed 15 with the bat.

The visitors actually reached 160 for three in their unsuccessful chase, only to then lose their last seven wickets for the addition of just 38 runs. They were bowled out in 31.1 overs.

However, the Black Caps do not need to panic just yet. They won the last one-dayer they played at the Oval, beating England by one wicket in 2008 in a game that was marred by the controversial run out of Grant Elliot.

The batsman collided with bowler Ryan Sidebottom while attempting to sneak a single, with England whipping off the bails, while the stricken Elliot was laid out on the floor.

England captain Paul Collingwood decided not to withdraw the appeal despite boos from the home crowd, though he would later apologise for his decision, per David Hopps of the Guardian.

ODI Form (Most Recent Results First)

England: WNWLLWL

New Zealand: LLWWWWW

Key players

England

While Buttler blasted his way to the second-fastest century ever scored by an Englishman, it was Root who gave the innings early momentum at Edgbaston.

The Yorkshireman's promotion up the order to bat at three paid off, as he made 104 from just 78 deliveries. Considering Root was dismissed in the 25th over, it is quite plausible to suggest a double hundred had been there for the taking.

What Root always seems to provide England with is momentum, whether it is in limited-overs cricket or Test action. He is busy at the crease and constantly looking to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

New Zealand

Brendon McCullum's first task on Friday will be to make the right choice at the toss: His decision to bowl first backfired spectacularly in the first game.

His batting in his side's response was frenetic, even if he did make 10 from the first three balls he faced.

The fourth saw him bowled, as he looked to heave Steve Finn somewhere into the centre of Birmingham. New Zealand needs better than that from their inspirational skipper.

Squads

England: Eoin Morgan (capt), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, David Willey, Mark Wood

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ben Wheeler, Kane Williamson