Ben Stokes is officially back and other New Zealand and England talking points ahead of third ODI

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  • Ben Stokes' impact was huge in the Mount Maunganui ODI.

    The one-day international series between New Zealand and England is finely poised heading into the third match.

    The tourists bounced back from a six-wicket defeat in Hamilton to record a crucial victory on Wednesday to level things up at 1-1 in the five-match contest.

    Here, we look at four key talking points and anticipated XIs for the game that starts at 5am UAE time on Saturday morning.

    Stokes is England’s star turn

    The all-rounder’s stellar showing at the Bay Oval, which included 2-42 with the ball and a blockbuster 63 not out with the bat, would have lifted not only his but England’s confidence as the tourists levelled the series. Stokes’ big game influence has been missed on the field and the team lacked personality and fearlessness without him. Having him back in the fold, regardless of what could happen off the pitch moving forward, is huge for this strong ODI outfit.

    Trial by Wellington’s Westpac

    England have lost three out of their four previous one-day internationals at the Westpac – and were also beaten by 12 runs at the same venue last month during the T20I tri-series. The Cake Tin hasn’t been a place where the Three Lions have enjoyed sweet success while preparing for the match at Wellington’s famous ground, the Basin Reserve, isn’t ideal to adapt to conditions. The multipurpose wicket at the ground isn’t the best and has drawn plenty of criticism, too.

    England’s patience running thin with David Willey

    The 28-year-old’s limited-overs career, harsh it seems, is hanging by a thread. Had Mark Wood been fit, he probably would have missed out in the first two ODIs in which he claimed just one wicket and wasn’t brought back into the attack again by Eoin Morgan after two new ball spells. England are already starting to mould their pace attack ahead of next year’s World Cup and the Northants seamer needs to prove himself beyond the new ball, especially with Stokes back.

    A chance to shine again for young batsman

    The Kiwis were sweating over the fitness of captain Kane Williamson but he has been confirmed fit, whereas Ross Taylor misses this one with a hamstring injury. In his place, it gives youngster Mark Chapman another chance to shine in the middle-order, with it being a long time ago since the 23-year-old Hong Kong-born batsman scored a ton on ODI debut against the UAE in 2015. All eyes will be on him once again after he made just one in the second ODI.

    Probable XIs

    New Zealand: Guptill, Munro, Williamson (C), Chapman, Latham (WK), Nicholls, De Grandhomme, Santner, Southee, Ferguson, Boult

    England: Roy, Bairstow, Root, Morgan (C), Stokes, Buttler (WK), Moeen Ali, Woakes, Rashid, Curran, Willey

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