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
40.1
Lockie Ferguson to Liam Livingstone. Back of a length, outside off stump moves in front pulling, missed for no runs, fielded by Latham.
England vs New Zealand
39.6
Glenn Phillips to Liam Livingstone. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot sweeping, mis-timed to deep square leg for 1 run, fielded by Boult.
Stokes 150! England 307-4, Stokes 152, Livingstone 5, Phillips 1-43 (7)
That was massive! Stokes has launched the ball into the far corner of the ground to bring up his 150.
It is hard to believe that at one point it looked like he would not play in the upcoming World Cup, that would have been a huge blow to England.
England vs New Zealand
39.5
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break half volley, down leg side on the front foot working, to long on for 1 run, fielded by Lister.
England vs New Zealand
39.3
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break length ball, to leg backing away driving, well timed to short extra cover for no runs, run save by Mitchell.
England vs New Zealand
39.2
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, well timed to deep extra cover for 2 runs, fielded by Ravindra.
England vs New Zealand
38.6
Lockie Ferguson to Liam Livingstone. Half volley, outside off stump moves in front driving, to deep cover for 1 run.
England 296-4 (39), Stokes 143, Livingstone 3, Ferguson 0-62 (6)
That wicket has brought a brief pause to the explosiveness of England’s attack and the next over was considerably more measured from Livingstone and Stokes.
The pair just knocked the ball around for singles to keep the scoreboard moving.
England vs New Zealand
38.5
Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Off cutter back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot driving, mis-timed to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by Conway.
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