NZ vs ENG, 3rd ODI Live Score: New Zealand strike early, England in deep trouble

New Zealand vs England 3rd ODI Live Cricket Score: New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bowl first in the third one-day international against England today, looking to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Bowling first has worked well for the Black Caps, who have already secured the series with wins by four wickets and five wickets in the first two matches.

England’s top-order woes have continued throughout the series, with senior players Joe Root and Ben Duckett struggling for runs. The series offers one last opportunity for them to regain confidence before the Ashes Test series begins on November 21 in Perth. Captain Harry Brook urged his teammates to stay relaxed, saying, “We just have to play with freedom, play with a smile on our face and just try to have fun.”

While England went in with an unchanged lineup, New Zealand made one alteration — Devon Conway replaced Kane Williamson, who is nursing a slight groin injury. Santner said the drop-in pitch might be soft early on but should become favorable for batting later, setting up an intriguing contest.

Playing XIs

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Zak Foulkes, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy.

England: Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.