Confident New Zealand to welcome back Oram
Cricinfo previews the fourth ODI between England and New Zealand at The Oval
Match facts
Wednesday June 25, 2008Start time 10.45 (9.45GMT)
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The big picture
England's upward one-day curve hit a blip at Bristol on Saturday, with New Zealand triumphing by 22 runs to level the series at 1-1. The joy, or relief, with which the tourists celebrated showed how difficult the last few weeks had been and, as they approach the fourth ODI at The Oval, the momentum is with them. Grant Elliott, the allrounder who was playing for Weybridge in the Surrey Championship a week ago, has surprised everyone with his composure at international level, and his 56 at Bristol hoisted New Zealand from the depths of 75 for 6 to a challenging (and ultimately match-winning) 182. Kyle Mills and Tim Southee also found form, but for England, it was their complacency with the bat which cost them. Going into the first of the two London matches, they have two selection dilemmas to ponder. Alastair Cook, whose shoulder injury ruled him out of the first three ODIs, could return at the top of the order at the expense of Ian Bell, who injured his knee during a warm-up. Meanwhile Ryan Sidebottom has recovered from a stiff back and could return at the expense of James Anderson.Form guide
England LNWLT (most recent first)New Zealand WNLWT
Watch out for
Ryan Sidebottom His natural aggression and competitiveness will be to the fore if, as expected, he earns a recall to bolster England's seam attack. Now recovered from a stiff back which ruled him out of the second and third matches, he will be looking to continue the dominance he has had over New Zealand's batsmen in recent months. England urgently need him firing on all cylinders if they are to combat New Zealand's growing confidence.Team news
Bell tweaked his knee during a warm-up at The Oval and it could prompt a return for Cook, who himself has recovered from his shoulder injury. Sidebottom, too, should return - possibly at the expense of Anderson whose performance at Bristol was mercurially indifferent.Stats and trivia
- England's run-rate at The Oval is a lofty 4.88. England have lost their last three matches at the ground, however.
Quotes
Grant Elliott, the South African born New Zealand allrounder, responds to his fine start to his one-day international career.
Paul Collingwood rues his side meek performance in Bristol.