New Zealand vs England: Match Preview, Playing XI, Key players, Live Streaming

New Zealand vs England, 5th ODI

DATE: 10th March 2018

The Background

The series between New Zealand and England have shown ODI cricket in excellent light with two competitive teams involved in a grueling affair with all the facets of the game being tested. It is fitting then that the two sides are locked at 2-2 going into the decider, setting up a virtual knockout encounter.

Venue: The Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Form Guide

New Zealand: WLLWW

England: LWWLW

Pitch and Weather conditions

After a bludgeoning T20I tri-series that saw bowlers reduce to a mere bowling machine, the ODI series, New Zealand vs England has provided a well-rounded contest with the pitches offering fair amount to the bowlers which have created a more nuanced and compelling cricket. The fifth ODI should be no different as the Hagley Oval pitch traditionally suits swing bowling. The forecast of the match is expected to have some clouds lingering in the morning prompting the captains to bowl first.

Analyzing the teams and marquee players for New Zealand vs England

New Zealand:

That New Zealand still has a chance to clinch the series is largely due to the blitz by Ross Taylor who played one of the great ODI knocks at Dunedin. And now the Kiwis return to Hagley Oval, a ground where they enjoy playing, having won all the eight encounters since their first match in 2015.

New Zealand would be looking anxiously at the fitness of Taylor who has scored two magnificent hundreds in the four matches and now races against time to get fit for the finale. Taylor blitz overshadowed the lack of contribution from other key players like Guptill and Southee who haven’t quite the straps in the series thus far. Ish Sodhi (9 wickets in 3 matches) remains another bright spot for New Zealand and although they might be tempted to field fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, the proposition remains highly unlikely.

Probable XI: Kane Williamson (C), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor/Mark Chapman, Tom Latham (W), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

England:

With more players hitting the straps and a plethora of options at his disposal, Eoin Morgan’s England still remain the more balanced side of the two and they’d be in driving seat if Taylor fails to pass the fitness test, allowing them to put more pressure on New Zealand’s middle order especially skipper Kane Williamson. They are expected to field the same batting lineup despite a dreaded collapse in the last game that saw them lose their last eight wickets for a mere 46 runs.

On the bowling front, David Willey is expected to get a game at the expense of Mark Wood who has been lackluster ever since he made a comeback after injury.

Probable XI: Eoin Morgan (C), Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Jos Buttler (W), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Tom Curran, David Willey/Mark Wood

Where to live stream New Zealand vs England?

Viewers can watch the telecast of the fourth ODI between New Zealand and England on Star Sports Select 1/HD, fans can also live stream the match on Hotstar.com