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
19.1
Ben Lister to Dawid Malan. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed to short extra cover for no runs.
England vs New Zealand
18.6
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot reverse sweeping, well timed to deep backward point for 2 runs, run save by Conway, fielded by Ferguson.
England 125-2 (19), Malan 54, Stokes, Phillips 0-21 (3)
That was a tighter over from Phillips, no boundaries, but Stokes and Malan still crucially at the crease and looking comfortable.
England vs New Zealand
18.5
Glenn Phillips to Dawid Malan. Off break length ball, down leg side on the front foot working, to backward square leg for 1 run, fielded by Nicholls.
England vs New Zealand
18.3
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break length ball, down leg side on the back foot working, to deep square leg for 1 run, fielded by Nicholls.
England vs New Zealand
18.2
Glenn Phillips to Ben Stokes. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, missed for no runs, fielded by Latham.
England vs New Zealand
18.1
Glenn Phillips to Dawid Malan. Off break length ball, down leg side on the back foot pushing, to mid on for 1 run, fielded by Ravindra.
England vs New Zealand
18.1
Wide Glenn Phillips to Dawid Malan. Off break length ball, down leg side on the front foot glancing, Play and Miss (Leg Side) for 1 run, fielded by Latham.
England vs New Zealand
17.6
FOUR! Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, well timed past long on for 4 runs.
Stokes 50! England 119-2, Malan 52, Stokes 57, Ferguson 0-42 (4)
Lockie Ferguson is arguably the smartest man on the field, partnering an all-black kit with black spikes, as he continues from the pavilion end following a brief drinks break.
Malan was uncomfortable with one delivery that seemed to move and drift uncomfortably close to the batter, but he was off strike the next ball, guiding it down to fine leg.
Stokes came close to hitting the first six of the match to bring up his half century, but had to settle for a four when it bounced just inside of the rope.
His milestone was his 23rd in the format from 108 mtches, from 44 deliveries, slightly quicker than Malan.
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