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
45.4
FOUR! Lockie Ferguson to Moeen Ali. 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
45.3
Lockie Ferguson to Moeen Ali. Length ball, middle stump on the front foot driving, well timed to mid off for no runs, fielded by Lister.
England vs New Zealand
45.2
Lockie Ferguson to Sam Curran. Short, down leg side on the back foot Steer, mis-timed to backward point for 1 run, shy attempt by Ravindra.
England vs New Zealand
45.1
Lockie Ferguson to Sam Curran. Back of a length, down leg side on the back foot Fended, mis-timed back to bowler for no runs.
England vs New Zealand
44.6
Ben Lister to Moeen Ali. Half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to long off for 2 runs, fielded by Mitchell.
Wicket! Stokes out for 182! England 355-6 (45), Ali 8, Curran 1, Lister 2-65 (9)
After settling for singles in the last over, Stokes follows it up with a maximum at the start of the 45th, could a double century be on the cards?
He already has the highest ODI score for England after that took him to 182 from 122 balls.
Unfortunately he could not add to his total, another big shot but this time it’s taken by deep square leg.
Stokes has to depart, to a standing ovation from all corners of the Oval who know they have witnessed something special here today.
England vs New Zealand
44.5
FOUR! Ben Lister to Moeen Ali. Length ball, wide outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed in the air under control past deep backward point for 4 runs.
England vs New Zealand
44.4
Ben Lister to Sam Curran. Full toss, middle stump on the front foot working, to long on for 1 run, fielded by Boult.
England vs New Zealand
44.3
OUT! Caught. Ben Lister to Ben Stokes. Full toss, to leg on the front foot flick, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to deep square leg, caught by Young.
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