England’s ODI batters are enduring a miserable time in New Zealand as Harry Brook’s side were bowled out in less than 37 overs for the second straight match.
In the series opener in Mount Maunganui, the England captain smashed 11 sixes in an innings of 135 from 101 balls to lift his side to a somewhat competitive total of 223.
There were no such heroics from any of the English top order in game two in Hamilton on Wednesday however, as they capitulated for 175 in 36 overs.
Watch NZ vs England T20I & ODI Series LIVE & EXCLUSIVE on FOX CRICKET, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
No. 8 Jamie Overton top scored for the visitors with 42 from 28 deliveries with Brook (34) and Joe Root (25) the only other members of the English team to pass 20.
MATCH CENTRE: Live Scorecard
For the Black Caps, fast bowler Blair Tickner was the destroyer, snaring 4/34 from eight overs after coming into the side for Matt Henry, who was sidelined with a calf strain.
It marked a memorable return to the ODI side for Tickner, having last featured two years ago.
Nathan Smith (2/27) was the only other multiple wicket-taker as the hosts shared the wickets between their six bowlers.
The blame for most of the dismissals lay with England’s batters, however.
Jacob Duffy found the outside edge of Ben Duckett’s (1) bat with the new ball, while Root was strangled down the leg side off the bowling of Tickner.
Wicket-keeper batter Jamie Smith (13) threw away a start, caught at point when trying to launch over mid-wicket.
So too did Jacob Bethell (18), who was caught at deep backward square leg immediately after a drinks break.
Brook died by the sword as he tried to counter-attack, caught by a diving Will Young at point after slashing at spinner Mitchell Santner.
Jos Buttler (9), meanwhile, played across the line and was out lbw off Smith.
The lower order offered resistance to scrap to 175 as they were 5/81 when Buttler departed.
It is a different format, and different coloured Kookaburra, but Australia’s bowling attack would like what they have seen so far from the Ashes rivals across the Tasman.
With the ball, England welcomed back Jofra Archer to the side, and in a huge positive for the tourists, the speedster struck in the first over of New Zealand’s run chase, trapping Young lbw for a duck.
Discussion about this post