England and New Zealand have been difficult to split all summer, with their T20 series ending 2-2 and the subsequent 50-over games level at 1-1 going into this third clash at The Oval.
The momentum has swung back and forth between the teams in these six white-ball matches and another intriguing affair looks set to follow.
- England to win
- Trent Boult top New Zealand wicket-taker
- Jason Roy top England batter
WATCH IN THE ZONE - JASON ROBINSON
Hosts’ Record At Oval Is Strong
England looked like they may fall to a 2-0 deficit after being reduced to 8/3 and 55/5 in the first innings of the second ODI at the Rose Bowl on Sunday.
However, an unbeaten knock of 95 from Liam Livingstone and a solid innings from Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran helped lift the hosts to a total of 226/7 from 34 overs in a rain-affected game.
New Zealand’s batting line-up had been its strength in their first ODI win but they failed to live up to that on a tricky pitch.
Despite another half-century from Daryl Mitchell, the visitors were skittled for 147 in reply, suffering a major collapse from 111/4.
The Kiwis will not be buoyed by England’s rock-solid record at this ground too - the hosts have won 13 of their last 16 50-over clashes at The Oval.
With the home team’s bowling attack back on song, they should be able to nose ahead in this competitive series.
Boult in great form
Boult To Lead From The Front
One positive for New Zealand from their disappointing defeat last time out was the return of Trent Boult, who was on top form as he came back into the fold for the Kiwis.
The 34-year-old took the wickets of Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, racking up figures of 3/37 from his seven overs.
Boult is returning from a spell in Major League Cricket and has taken at least three wickets in his last five games, with combined figures of 18/146 in those matches.
The quick bowler has an ODI average of 23.79 and looks a solid selection to again be New Zealand’s top wicket-taker in this clash.
TRENT BOULT TOP NEW ZEALAND WICKET TAKER
Roy returns
Roy Could Return To Form
Jason Roy missed the first two games of this series with back spasms, but he could return to the side for this third match and looks to have a solid chance of being England’s top runscorer.
The Oval is Roy’s home ground and the hosts will be desperate to get him back to top form with the World Cup on the horizon.
The 33-year-old was an integral part of the side who won the tournament four years ago, and his opening partnership with Jonny Bairstow was key to their success.
Take Roy to bounce back to top form and be England’s top batter in this one.
