New Zealand Vs England LIVE Cricket Score, 1st ODI: Brook Brings Up Fifty To Stabilise ENG's Innings

Jamie Overton is finding his groove! First, Nathan Smith bowls a short one, and Overton reads it perfectly, backs away and slaps it uppishly through the gap at extra cover for FOUR. No messing around, he’s alert and timing it beautifully.

And he’s not done yet! Next ball, a fuller delivery, and Overton shuffles across, flicking it neatly between mid-on and mid-wicket. Back-to-back boundaries, and England finally get a bit of momentum in this collapsing innings.

Jacob Duffy keeps the pressure on England. He bowls a tricky, hard-length delivery to Jamie Overton, who goes for the pull but just can’t get it right. The ball balloons safely to mid-on, no run. Dot ball, and New Zealand keep England pinned down.

Matt Henry over-pitches, and Jamie Overton makes him pay! He leans into the drive, timing it beautifully, and the ball races past the diving mid-off fielder for FOUR. England get a bit of breathing space as Overton finds some rhythm after that brutal top-order collapse.

Finally, some fireworks from England. Brook faces Foulkes and smashes one straight into the stands, SIX. A fraction short, and he’s all over it, transferring his weight perfectly onto the back foot to send it soaring beyond deep mid-wicket. Back-to-back boundaries, and England get a tiny spark in this top-order collapse.

And it’s another one for New Zealands! Jacob Bethell faces Foulkes, and it’s a beauty, full, angling in, then nipping away at the last moment. Bethell thinks he’s got it covered, nudges forward, and gone. Off-stump crashes to the deck. England are in real trouble now, 5 for 4, and Foulkes is absolutely on fire.

And just like that, Joe Root’s stay at the crease is over! Foulkes strikes again, this time with a clever inswinger that jagged back in. Root tries to play an ambitious on-drive, but he’s caught in no-man’s land, leaning across the line, and the ball sneaks through, smashing into the stumps. England are in a full-blown crisis here, 5 for 3, and New Zealand are loving every second of it.

Just when England thought they might steady after losing Smith, another blow! Duckett faces Foulkes, who bowls a peach from around the wicket.

The ball comes back with the angle, nips away just enough, and Duckett edges it, straight to Latham. But what a catch. Latham dives to his left and snares it clean with two hands. Both England openers are back in the pavilion, 2 for 2, and New Zealand are loving it.

Jacob Bethell comes to the crease.

ENG 5/2 (1.4)

The England openers, Jamie Smith and Duckett, are out in the middle, ready to take on New Zealand. Matt Henry starts the proceedings for New Zealand, and wow, what a start. First ball, Jamie Smith presses forward, trying to block, but a tiny gap between bat and pad lets the ball sneak through and smash into the top of middle stump.

Bowled! Smith departs for a duck, New Zealand roaring, England in shock.

And now Joe Root walks out to the crease, tasked with steadying the innings after such a nightmare start. The pressure is on, and the crowd is buzzing, this game is heating up already.

England (Playing XI): Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook(c), Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler(w), Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood

New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Zakary Foulkes, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

New Zealand have won the toss and have opted to bowl first against England.

Helloo cricket lovers! We’re back with another live blog, and it’s a cracker of a morning lined up, New Zealand and England are all set to lock horns in the first ODI at Bay Oval. Expect boundaries, banter, and plenty of drama as these two sides kick off their series. Grab your coffee and stay tuned, the action’s about to get real.