England 226 for 7 (Livingstone 95*, Curran 42, Boult 3-37) beat New Zealand 147 (Mitchell 57, Topley 3-27, Willey 3-34) by 79 runs
“I have never had the best couple of months,” Livingstone mirrored. “Sadly, there is a purpose why there’s not many lower-order hitters which have mastered the artwork of the sport: it is a fairly troublesome function to do. In the event you get on a roll, it is fairly good, however when you get your self in a little bit of a rut, it is fairly onerous to get out of. It is in all probability the primary time in my profession the place I’ve had two months of struggling so I’ve put in a variety of work behind the scenes to try to return to figuring out what I can do – and that is win video games for England.”
Regardless of his patchy type this summer season, Livingstone’s all-round means and excellent IPL report means there has by no means been any actual doubt of his spot in England’s World Cup squad. With two contrasting half-centuries in three days, he has emphatically proved why. This was his longest innings in worldwide cricket, and his highest in a win.
Sam Curran added 112 with Liam Livingstone•Getty Photos
Boult, taking part in worldwide cricket for the primary time since final yr’s T20 World Cup, did the early injury. His New Zealand profession has been on maintain since late final yr after he negotiated a launch from his central contract so as to maximise his availability for franchise leagues all over the world, however New Zealand have been at all times more likely to welcome him again forward of subsequent month’s World Cup, and his new-ball spell demonstrated why.
He struck along with his seventh ball, as Jonny Bairstow’s forefront spooned up in the direction of cowl the place Mitchell Santner took a spectacular catch, nailing the timing of his leap. Joe Root lasted two balls, smashed on the knee roll by an inswinger, and Ben Stokes gave Boult the cost solely to loft to mid-off.
Within the absence of Jason Roy (again spasm) and Dawid Malan (paternity go away), Harry Brook was once more given the chance to open the batting, however he fell instantly after a shortened powerplay. Brook regarded to swing Matt Henry over the infield, however his forefront looped as much as the back-pedalling mid-off fielder.
When Livingstone walked out at No. 7 to affix Moeen, England had greater than 20 overs left to bat. The pair added 48 in 50 balls, beginning watchfully earlier than often releasing their arms when New Zealand provided width. Moeen fell for 33 to an excellent diving catch at level by Glenn Phillips, at which level Livingstone determined it was time to shift gears.
Daryl Mitchell saved New Zealand ticking, earlier than giving Moeen Ali his a hundredth ODI wicket•AFP/Getty Photos
Livingstone focused Southee, hitting 17 runs off an over – together with three boundaries in 4 balls; by the point he introduced up a 47-ball half-century, his second in three days, he had already performed his longest innings for England. On the far finish, Curran, taking part in his first sport for the reason that Hundred last, belted each left-arm spinners – Santner and Rachin Ravindra – for sixes.
The pair introduced up a 100-run partnership on the finish of the thirty second over when Livingstone swiped Henry’s slower ball into the stands for his first six. Curran fell shovelling Southee to brief third, and after Mitchell trod on the boundary toblerone whereas making an attempt a catch off Willey at long-off, Livingstone may solely heave the ultimate two balls for a brace of twos.
Allen, who won’t characteristic within the provisional World Cup squad that New Zealand title tomorrow, survived an lbw overview off the primary ball of the chase however was castled on the second by Willey, at the same time as Gus Atkinson bowled a vibrant first spell to maintain England forward of the sport. He had Devon Conway caught behind, earlier than Will Younger was lazily run-out as Willey pounced at mid-off.
Mitchell saved New Zealand ticking, including 56 with Tom Latham, however Topley’s second spell modified the sport. Latham chased a large one earlier than Phillips fell to a shocking caught-and-bowled, and Ravindra edged his second ball to slide. From 123 for six, it was Mitchell or bust.
Having hoisted Moeen over long-off for six, Mitchell miscued a full toss to mid-off to provide Moeen his a hundredth ODI wicket; he quickly had his a hundred and first too, as Santner sliced to level. Willey mopped up the tail to complete with three wickets of his personal, to go away England basking within the early-evening sunshine.
Matt Curler is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @mroller98
