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
30.1
OUT! Caught. Trent Boult to Dawid Malan. Half volley, down leg side on the front foot glancing, inside edge, caught by Latham.
England vs New Zealand
29.6
Glenn Phillips to Dawid Malan. Off break length ball, middle stump down the track driving, to long on for 1 run, fielded by Lister.
Stokes 100! England 212-2, Malan 96, Stokes 102, Phillips 0-29 (5)
Stokes has the triple figures, with a single to a wide mid on, he celebrates lifting his bat into the air, but does not take his helmet off and as best he can in batting gloves looks to the heavens and makes a signal to his late father.
It is his fourth ODI century in 108 matches, and at a strike rate of 131, he has added another to that list.
Followed up almost immediately with a moment of comedy as he runs into Phillips in his follow through.
England vs New Zealand
29.5
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, well timed to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by Young.
England vs New Zealand
29.4
Glenn Phillips to Dawid Malan. Off break length ball, to leg on the back foot working, to deep backward square leg for 1 run, fielded by Conway.
England vs New Zealand
29.3
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break length ball, off stump on the back foot working, to long on for 1 run, fielded by Lister.
England vs New Zealand
29.2
Glenn Phillips to Dawid Malan. Off break length ball, middle stump on the back foot driving, to long on for 1 run, fielded by Lister.
England vs New Zealand
29.1
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break length ball, off stump on the back foot driving, to long off for 1 run, fielded by Boult.
England 206 (29), Malan 93, Stokes 99, Boult 2-29 (6)
New Zealand still in the hunt for the third wicket, and to try and force something have brought Boult back into the attack, but while England have slowed down, they are still finding the gaps for singles.
Stokes creeping closer to his century, moving on to 99 with one run down the ground to a deep mid on.
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