As expected, the ongoing ODI series between England and New Zealand is being closely contested. The third ODI is set to be played today (September 13) with the series locked at 1-1 and with the two teams scheduled to lock horns in the opening match of the World Cup in three weeks (on October 5), there is a battle going on to have psychological advantage over each other. England are busy trying different combinations ahead of the World Cup and the way they recovered from 55/5 to win the second ODI is the testament of their batting depth as well.
Meanwhile, New Zealand are also doing well in the lead up to the World Cup and the team is looking settled. If Kane Williamson, their skipper, regains fitness on time, the Kiwis will certainly become one of the teams to beat in the mega event. For now though their focus will be to win the ongoing ODI series. With Trent Boult returning to the set up, the bowling attack is looking lethal as well. The left-arm seamer was exceptional in the last game (his 100th ODI) picking up wickets with the new ball.
ENG vs NZ 3rd ODI Pitch Report
The pitches in England tend to be flat nowadays and expect this to be yet another run-fest. With the summer in the country at its peak, spinners may also find some turn in this match. However, the team winning the toss should look to bowl first looking at the record at the venue.
Kennington Oval, London Numbers Game
Total ODI Matches - 76
Matches won batting first - 30
Matches won bowling first - 42
Average first innings score - 246
Average second innings score - 216
Highest total - 398/5 (50 overs) by NZ vs ENG
Lowest total - 103/10 (41 overs) by ENG vs SA
Highest score chased - 322/3 (48.4 overs) by SL vs IND
Lowest score defended - 241/10 (49.4 overs) by PAK vs ENG
Squads
England Squad: Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w/c), Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, David Willey, Gus Atkinson, Reece Topley, Dawid Malan, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Jason Roy
New Zealand Squad: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w/c), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Henry Nicholls, Ben Lister
