New Zealand-level T20 series with easy win over England – latest reaction

world news

Good evening and welcome to Trent Bridge for the fourth and final T20 international between England and New Zealand.

The hosts lead the series 2-1 after resounding wins at Chester-le-Street and Old Trafford, but New Zealand took the lead with a thoroughly professional display at Edgbaston on Sunday.

This England side have more than enough credit in the bank to avoid too much criticism for an isolated loss, but in truth the performance they produced in Birmingham was well below the standards we are used to.

For the most part flat on the pitch and seemingly lacking their usual inspiration with the bat, England were outplayed in every way by New Zealand. Jos Buttler will know the importance of righting the ship tonight as he looks to build momentum for the 50-over World Cup.

With that in mind, and with the 50-over series against New Zealand fast approaching, it feels like there’s more at stake tonight than just the series.

Harry Brook’s absence from England’s 50+ squad seemed like an oversight two weeks ago. Now, upholding that decision seems untenable. Brook’s destructive performances in the first two games surely means he’s well on his way to being drafted into the team. But at whose expense?

The two most popular names at this point appear to be Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone, both of whom seem somewhat short of runs and confidence at the moment.

Malan’s tough innings at Edgbaston were those of a man who seemed to feel the pressure, while Livingstone’s own failure with the bat was thwarted by an even more ineffective bowling effort.

England’s selection tonight will surely tell us a lot about the manager’s free space. Rests for either of the two mentioned above suggest they will have a chance in the 50+ streaks to really find their footing.

Play tonight and it’s hard to get rid of the feeling that this may represent some sort of test for their inclusion in the World Cup squad.

There’s a lot at stake, it seems. Upcoming launch at 5:30 p.m.

telegraph UK

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