New Zealand have won their last eight ODIs, whitewashing both Windies and Pakistan at home this summer, and England swatted Australia aside 4-1 last month, making it eight victories from their last nine bilateral series. Although neither team had a particularly good Trans-Tasman T20 Tri-Series, one-day cricket is where both currently feel more comfortable and England in particular have a stronger look about them after resting several players for the T20 series.
It is the return of Stokes to England's squad which will likely dominate the headlines, though. He has not played for England since last September after an incident outside a Bristol nightclub involving two other men. Whether the distraction of the looming court case has any bearing on his game remains to be seen but England are a far more dangerous team with him in a strong middle order together with Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes. He also gives them another bowling option.
The home team have their box office players too. Martin Guptill at the top of the order had a fine series against Pakistan, scoring more than 300 runs from five matches, and captain Kane Williamson also scored a hundred in that series. With Ross Taylor at four, the top order is packed with class and experience. The bowling attack has variety too, led by fast-bowler Tim Southee who is a highly skilled operator with both red and white balls.
When: Sunday February 25, 2018. 01:00AM GMT
Where: Seddon Park, Hamilton
What to expect: The match will be played on a used surface at Seddon Park which suggests that it may not have much in the way of pace and bounce. The pitch has traditionally brought spin into play and so both sides are likely to play two slow bowlers here, something that may not happen on the smaller New Zealand grounds. The forecast for the day-night match is set fair.
Team News
England
Captain Eoin Morgan intimated in the pre-match press conference that Stokes would come straight back into the side which means that a batsman will have to miss out. Alex Hales, who batted at three against Australia, is the most likely to be dropped with Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow opening. England will also have to decide on their fourth seamer alongside Mark Wood, Woakes and Stokes with Tom Curran, David Willey and Craig Overton the options.
New Zealand
The home team have injury concerns over spinners Mitchell Santner and Todd Astle and so legspinner Ish Sodhi could be in line for a call-up should either of them not be passed fit. Fast-bowler Lockie Ferguson has been released from the squad to play for Auckland in New Zealand's domestic one-day final so Trent Boult and Tim Southee will lead the attack while Tom Latham will keep wicket.
Squads:
New Zealand: Kane Williamson(c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ish Sodhi
England: Eoin Morgan(c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Jason Roy, Craig OvertonTeams:England (From): Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Jos Buttler(w), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, David Willey, Tom Curran, Craig Overton, Sam Billings, Chris Woakes, Mark WoodNew Zealand (From): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham(w), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Todd Astle
