England T20/ODI series v New Zealand/Ireland.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Kiwis level the series. Looks a handy chase.

[Arthur Crabtree]

They're at it again. I'll have a look at the highlights to catch a glimpse of Rehan. Back in his old home town.

Wouldn't have passed Andy Flower's pinch test.

Bowling reminds me of.... Adil Rashid.

[Arthur Crabtree]

NZ win toss and will bowl in Cardiff.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Wouldn't have passed Andy Flower's pinch test.

Caliper test. I was trying to remember the proper term.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Brook is opening, so a big change at the last minute. Scored uncharacteristically slowly.

No Jonny Blameless. Or Mo. So maybe resting players who appeared in the T20s!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Stokes goes after a sluggish 50. Where this innings ends up really depends on Buttler...

[sussexpob]

Buttler and Livingstone save the day with a bit of heavy hitting towards the end, but really, why the hell are both of these at 6 and 7??? I just do not understand the thinking with it, these are your hardest hitters, you need them in positions in the order they can play themselves in a little, then accelerate to warp speed.... but at 6 and 7, its either slog time or you've lost too many wickets, and can't risk it.

Buttler averages 74 and strikes at 167 from the 4 slot. He has 1 less century at 4 than at 6, but has played there 55 times less. And only 8 more 50s... at 6, he averages mid 30s and hits SR109, which is his lowest of any slot. Average of 43 + SR112 at 5, and again, only 1 less century in 40 less games.

Putting Buttler at 6 is a very bad idea.

[Arthur Crabtree]

They're are at 5&6, quite a long tail out today.

Buttler should be at four I think. Probably England's best ever ODI bat, but often treated like he's someone to have a hit at the end.

Useful from Willey.

[sussexpob]

I counted one extra batter....

[Arthur Crabtree]

Decent start for NZ. Only Woakes really keeping the lid on.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Kiwis need six an over for 20 overs. Should be a stroll.

[Arthur Crabtree]

And is. Plenty of room for improvement for England.

[Durhamfootman]

lots of matches to make those improvements, I suppose

[Arthur Crabtree]

Looks like they're at it again. Great work by LL.

Doesn't it always rain when England are in Southampton?

Nice to see Boult is back.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Poor attempt by NZ. All square.