England and New Zealand are ready to meet on the ODI stage for the first time since their never-to-be-forgotten ICC World Cup final more than four years ago.
This time, it is in the calmer surroundings of a four-match series serving as a warm-up for the World Cup. Still, there’s plenty riding on it. Just ask Harry Brook.
In a surprise and arguably premature selection, Brook was left out of the provisional 15-man squad for the World Cup that was announced in mid-August.
It came as little surprise that England white-ball coach Matthew Mott suddenly left the door open to last-minute changes to the squad. Brook was added to the group for the ODI series against New Zealand starting here on Friday.
The series will also mark the return of Ben Stokes to the ODI fold though New Zealand’s regular captain Kane Williamson may not still be fit enough to play. Trent Boult is also back in the team for first time this year.
Match starts: 5pm IST on SonyLIV