New Zealand on verge of series win

New Zealand survived a shocking decision from England captain Paul Collingwood to win the fourth one-day international on Wednesday and ensure themselves at least a share of the spoils in the five-match series. And they look the more likely to go on to win the final match, to be played at Lord's on Saturday.

After the controversial run-out of Grant Elliott and Collingwood's decision not to call him back, tensions would have been extremely frought between the two sides had England gone on to win the match.

As it was, a ridiculously poor bit of fielding gifted New Zealand the win and gave them a great chance of winning the series. And I have to think that they will be hugely motivated to win at Lord's and take the series honours, to show England that their lack of sportsmanship at the time had cost them dear.

Still, England are favourites with the bookmakers for the match at Lord's, with bet365 making them 4/7, to New Zealand's 5/4. With Collingwood set to be banned from the match - not for the controversy but for his side's slow over-rates - Daniel Vettori and Co look by far the more likely to go on to win it.

Will Pietersen shine on the big stage?
I have made a lot of the fact that Kevin Pietersen can't seem to string two big innings together. Whether it's laziness or just an easing off after a big knock, he struggles for consistency.

But, when he wants to, he is obviously England's best and most destructive batsman and it would be no surprise if he gets himself up to bat well at Lord's, the home of cricket. Bet365 make him 9/4 favourite to top-score for England and that's not too bad this time.

Ian Bell and Alastair Cook are both 7/2, while Luke Wright is 5/1 and Collingwood, if he plays of course, is 6/1. Ravi Bopara, who batted well on Wednesday, is also 6/1, while Owais Shah is 13/2.

For New Zealand, Brendon McCullum is restored as favourite at 11/4. Ross Taylor is 7/2, while Jamie How is 4/1, Scott Styris 11/2 and the fit-again Jacob Oram in at 7/1, the same price as James Marshall and Peter Fulton.

The presence of Oram is again a big boost for New Zealand and though Pietersen may well rise to the occasion again, New Zealand have the ability and the desire to win this match and clinch the series.