England take on New Zealand in the second of the two T20 internationals to be played between the two sides at the Oval on Thursday evening. The first game at the same venue saw the Kiwis register a five-run victory over the English side.

Michael Lumb
Reuters

Where to Watch Live

Play starts at 6:30pm BST. Live coverage will be available on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD. Follow the match live, via text updates, on ESPN Cricinfo.

Overview

England failed to win the first game, which has put them in a must win situation to level the two match series. Eoin Morgan won the toss and decided to field first on Tuesday, which did not go in the English side's favour as New Zealand posted a total of 201 for the loss of four wickets after the end of their 20 overs.

The Kiwis opener James Franklin fell for Boyd Rankin in the first over as the left-handed batsman was sent back even before opening his account. His opening partner Hamish Rutherford and New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum took the game away from England as the duo went on to post a partnership of 114 for the second wicket.

Rutherford's innings of 62 from 35 deliveries included four maximums and six boundaries. The opener's dismissal saw McCullum take in charge as he managed 68 from 46 balls. Ross Taylor and Tom Latham chipped in at the end as their quick knock of 32 and 22 respectively helped New Zealand reach a score of 201.

In reply, England were given a brilliant start from Michael Lumb and Alex Hales as the Three Lions reached 50 in less than four overs. Natahn McCullum scalped the first wicket after dismissing Lumb for 29, who was then replaced by all rounder Luke Wright. The duo went on to add another 55 runs to the total.

England lost two quick wickets in the middle, with Hales is the first one to go for 39 before Morgan was dismissed for seven. This was added with Wright giving away his wicket in the 15<sup>th over after scoring 52. Ravi Bopara and Jos Buttler did try to make an effort, but the latter's run out at the end was the decisive factor in the game.

New Zealand managed to win the game by five runs as England ended their innings for 196 for the loss of five wickets.

James Franklin
Reuters

Team Form

  • England (most recent first): L W L W W
  • New Zealand (most recent first): W L W L L

Team News

England are likely to make some changes to the team, with Kevin Pietersen replacing Ben Stokes in the playing XI. Lumb and Hales will be given the role to open the English side's innings with Jade Dernbach leading his side's bowling attack

Probable Line-Up: Michael Lumb, Alex Hales, Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright, Eoin Morgan (c), Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes, James Tredwell, Jade Dernbach, Boyd Rankin

New Zealand are likely to retain the same squad, which won the first game at the Oval on Tuesday. , Mitchell McClenaghan will lead the Kiwis bowling attack for the final T20 game on Thursday.

Probable Line-Up: Hamish Rutherford, James Franklin, Brendon McCullum (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Ian Butler, Corey Anderson, Mitchell McClenaghan, Ronnie Hira