VENUE: EDGBASTON, BIRMINGHAM
TIME: 14:00 LOCAL TIME (13:00 GMT)
THE GAME:
The Test series between England and New Zealand was simply fascinating as both the sides played an exciting brand of cricket. As the series was squared 1-1, it is now time for the ODI’s to commence in Birmingham on a chilly Tuesday afternoon. The ODI form of the two sides has been profusely contrasting. In the 2015 World Cup, one side made it to the finals, while the other couldn’t even get past the first round. When these two sides clashed in the World Cup in Wellington, the Kiwis simply tormented the English.
Their recent World Cup clash was the most one sided affair of the tournament. England was bowled out for a paltry 123 and to simply annihilate them, the Kiwis chased it down in just 12.2 overs. Viewers can expect a similar performance from the visitors in this series as well. The New Zealanders led by the energetic Brendon McCullum are high on confidence after comprehensively winning the Leeds test. Their ODI form and skills gives them a further boost. England on the other hand will be playing with an inexperienced squad as the likes of Bell, Moeen Ali, Anderson and Broad are rested.
With New Zealand in all probability to go out with a full strength team, the odds are highly in favour of the visitors and it will be fair to assert that another drubbing could be on the cards for the English. Eoin Morgan, ever since being elevated to the role of the skipper has not shouldered the responsibilities efficiently. He had a pathetic World Cup and he needs to desperately perform with the bat.
RECENT FORM:
ENGLAND:
W, L, L, W, L
NEW ZEALAND:
L, W, W, W, W
KEY PLAYERS:
ALEX HALES:
A lot has been spoken about Alex Hales and the ECB has been severely criticized for not giving Hales an extended run. Paul Collingwood recently was highly critical on the approach with which Hales was treated. There is absolutely no doubt over the talent and ability of Alex Hales. But in the few chances which he has been given, he hasn’t done anything which sets the stage on fire. An ODI average of 21.11 in 10 games doesn’t justify the potential of Hales. This series could well shape up his ODI career.
BEN STOKES:
Stokes was simply fabulous in the test matches against the Kiwis. After missing out on the World Cup, Stokes is back within England’s limited overs set up. On current form, Stokes is England’s trump card and the X factor. With the bat, Stokes can be the perfect finisher for England and with the ball, his contribution in the middle overs will be critical.
BRENDON McCULLUM:
In the current era, if the term destructive could be associated with ODI batsmen, it would just be associated with McCullum and AB De Villiers. McCullum has pretty much revolutionized the game with his batting and captaincy. Once McCullum gets going, there is absolutely no stopping him. It was his innings right at the top, which pushed South Africa on the back foot in the 2015 World Cup semi final in Auckland. McCullum treats every bowler in the same manner and doesn’t change his approach one bit. If he finds the groove in Birmingham, then its dooms day for England.
TRENT BOULT:
Along with Mitchell Starc, Boult was the leading wicket taker of the 2015 World Cup. Watching Boult in action is a delight for every cricket lover. His sensational bowling, backed up by McCullum’s aggressive captaincy has ensured that the batsmen do not fly away with the game in ODI’s. With conditions assisting him, expect Boult to be riveting and the English openers better be wary of him.
PITCH AND CONDITIONS:
The strip at Birmingham is known to assist the spinners as well as the seamers. The presence of clouds is a delight for seamers. The spinners too have enjoyed bowling out here. The best news though is that there is no rain predicted for the game.
PROBABLE XI:
ENGLAND:
1. A. Hales 2. J. Roy 3. J. Taylor 4. J. Root 5. E. Morgan 6. B. Stokes 7. J. Buttler 8. A. Rashid 9. C. Jordan 10. S. Finn 11. M. Wood
NEW ZEALAND:
1. B. McCullum 2. M. Guptill 3. K. Williamson 4. R. Taylor 5. G. Elliot 6. C. Anderson 7. L. Ronchi 8. N. McCullum 9. T. Southee 10. T. Boult 11. M. Mclaneghan