New Zealand vs England 2018: 5 things to look out for in ODI series

Usually not a marquee contest, the ODI series between England and New Zealand this time promises to be an exciting contest as it involves two in-form sides coming off big wins over their last opponents in a bilateral series.

New Zealand walloped Pakistan 5-0 in their previous ODI stint while England smashed traditional foes Australia 4-1 in their own backyard. It’s hard to say which team is the favourite even though the Kiwis are playing at home. With a tight contest expected, here are five things to watch out for in the upcoming contest.

#1 Root-Williamson duel

The cricket world has been busy trying to decide who between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith is the better batsman with both raking up big runs in the recent past. But the other two members of the ‘Fab Four', - Joe Root and Kane Williamson - cannot be forgotten and this series gives them both an opportunity to get themselves back in the limelight.

While Williamson scored a century against Pakistan and captained his team to a whitewash, Root made a couple of valuable contributions in the Australia series. The success of Smith and Kohli, as well as the presence of another rival in the opposite camp, may just spur the two to raise their performance to a higher level and make a bigger contribution to their team’s success. This contest should be riveting.

Last time England were in New Zealand, Root was playing only his second ODI series and looking to establish himself as a regular. Though he didn’t get a big score in any of the three matches, he did make valuable contributions, even getting his side home in the final ODI to seal the series. Returning to New Zealand shores, he is now the lynchpin of the line-up and more is expected of him.

Batting at the pivotal No 3 and 4 positions respectively, Williamson and Root have the responsibility to build the innings. Hopefully, there will be some delightful performances from these two graceful and elegant players.

#2 England’s top-order

When Alex Hales had to be withdrawn from the first two matches of England's home series against West Indies due to his involvement in the brawl which also featured Ben Stokes, it gave Jonny Bairstow an opportunity to establish himself in the ODI team. He grabbed it with both hands, getting back to back hundreds. This meant that Hales had to give up his opening position when he returned to the side and settle for the No 3 spot.

So now, England’s top three consists of three possible openers – Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow. Among the three, Bairstow has the experience of batting in the middle order as well. This means there is still some uncertainty regarding each player's best position.

On top of that, Hales had just one half-century in the Australia series which means he has to get some good scores under his belt otherwise Sam Billings, rated highly by followers of English cricket, may also get an opportunity at his expense. So, the composition of the English top-order for the World Cup is yet to be finalized and we could see it taking its final shape in this series.

#3 Form of the English captain

Eoin Morgan’s captaincy has received wholesome praise from all quarters but his contributions with the bat haven’t been up to the mark. This has created a little problem for English fans and the selectors as well. There is a consensus among experts that he should remain the captain and lead the side in the World Cup. But what if his form with the bat doesn’t return?

Thoughts go back to 2014 when England had Alastair Cook in charge; he was almost guaranteed to captain the side in the World Cup. But his failure as a batsman saw him getting dropped just before the big event.

The big difference between then and now - Cook had been leading a team that looked out of sorts with dim prospects for the future whereas Morgan is in charge of a side which has won consistently and only seems to be getting better. Therefore, dropping him is out of the question for the moment.

But Morgan will be feeling the pressure and he wouldn’t want to be worrying about his personal form with the World Cup just a year away.

#4 Return of Ben Stokes

How big Ben Stokes' absence was for England in the Ashes series can’t be overstated. Needless to say, the fans would be delighted to have him back even if the sword of the court case still hangs over him.

While Stokes is yet to reach the same heights in ODIs as he has done in Tests, he has proven to be a very important member of the limited-overs sides and would be needed badly for the World Cup too.

But what remains to be seen is whether he can put the controversy behind him and perform at an optimum level again. Stokes will be one of the biggest attractions of the series. With conditions in New Zealand often favouring swing bowling, he could be a very useful addition to the bowling attack whilst also strengthening the batting line-up.

The cameras have been focused on Stokes off the field. A few good performances would put him in the headlines again, but for the right reasons.

#5 Group of exciting fast bowlers

The series will feature many young exciting seamers. New Zealand want a third pacer to assist the Southee-Boult combine and Lockie Ferguson, somebody who bowls at over 140 kph, could well be that player.

He will add the dimension of speed to New Zealand's pace attack which already boasts of two brilliant exponents of swing. Ferguson could be the man to watch in this series.

On England’s side, Mark Wood impressed against Aussies by bowling at a lively pace while Woakes remains the swing expert in the team. But the man who grabbed everyone’s attention was Tom Curran.

Dismissed as another typical swing and seam bowler, Curran showed great heart in the Ashes series and then made a bigger mark in the ODI series with a match-winning 5-for in the final game against Australia. What impressed most was his ability to get reverse-swing which, it has to be remembered, was a crucial factor in Pakistan’s triumph in the Champions Trophy, and therefore an important skill to possess.

The English attack, however, is still in the process of evolving as the World Cup draws ever so close and the seamers will be watched very closely by the selectors. Curran, Woakes, Wood and David Willey, all have a case to make.