After a rain-hammered T20I series, New Zealand and England are set to face each other in the first ODI of the three-match series at Bay Oval on Sunday. Both sides will be eager to make a strong statement as the focus shifts to the ODI format.
For England, this series marks a rare return to ODI action in New Zealand. The last time they visited New Zealand for ODIs was during the 2017–18 season, making this only their second ODI series in New Zealand since then. The hosts head into the series high on confidence after their most recent ODI outing, where they recorded a commanding 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan at home in March. The return of Kane Williamson adds experience to their top six, joining the in-form Rachin Ravindra and the ever-reliable Daryl Mitchell.
Harry Brook leads an England outfit looking to gain confidence ahead of the Ashes. England are still searching for consistency after a topsy-turvy summer. Their ODI form over the past few months has been inconsistent. They managed to close their home season with a resounding win over South Africa, but only after conceding the series in the first two matches. The presence of Joe Root, England’s talismanic batter, brings much-needed stability to the middle order. They will be further bolstered by the availability of Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Ben Duckett.
Head-to-head
Matches - 96
New Zealand won - 45
England won - 44
Tied/No result: 7
New Zealand probable XI: Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Tom Latham (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy
England probable XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Ben Duckett, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood