England’s preparation for the upcoming 50-over World Cup has been mixed so far and they were beaten in their opening game of their three-game series with New Zealand.
Jos Buttler’s side will be aiming to bounce back in the second match of the three at the Rose Bowl.
- New Zealand to win
- Daryl Mitchell top New Zealand runscorer
- Harry Brook over 30.5 runs
WATCH IN THE ZONE - JASON ROBINSON
Visitors To Back Up Win
New Zealand secured a comfortable win over England in the first match of their 50-over series and they could follow that up with another victory in the second game.
The Black Caps put the hosts in to bat in the first clash with the hosts compiling what looked like a very respectable 291-6.
However, England’s bowling attack failed to make any meaningful inroads into the visitors’ batting lineup and they romped to the victory target with ease.
Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway put on an unbeaten 180 for the third wicket, both making centuries in the process as they knocked off the winning runs with more than four overs to spare.
The visitors did so without stars Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult, proving the strength in depth in their side.
They also drew the T20 series 2-2, demonstrating that there is not much between these two teams and New Zealand should not be ruled out of winning this clash.
Mitchell In Fine Form
After scoring just 29 runs in four innings in the T20 series, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell sprung back to life in the first 50-over game, making an unbeaten 118 from just 91 balls.
The 32-year-old smashed seven sixes in that knock and is making his case to be the most effective Black Cap batter in this format.
Mitchell has now racked up three centuries in his last five ODI innings and has upped his average in this form of the game to 49.84.
He is in the form of his career and looks to be a big runner to top score for his team once again in this second ODI.
DARYL MITCHELL TOP NEW ZEALAND RUNSCORER
Brook To Press Case
Much of the discussion surrounding England’s preparations for the 50-over World Cup has centred on whether Harry Brook will be included in their squad for the tournament.
The 24-year-old was not included in the provisional 15-man squad but has been pressing his case and can continue to remind the selectors of his talents in this game.
Brook made 43 not out and 67 in the T20 series between this pair and made a solid 25 when moved up to the top of the order in the first 50-over clash against New Zealand.
Take him to score* 31 or more runs as his stock continues to rise before the tournament itself.
