Black caps skipper Kane Williamson will return from injury for the third one-day international against England, but the hosts will be without fellow batsman Ross Taylor. Williamson missed Wednesday’s second game of five match ODI series, in which the tourists eased to a series-leveling six-wicket win, and was replaced at number three by Mark Chapman winning his first ODI cap for the Kiwis. A slight hamstring strain kept the captain out, with Tim Southee leading the team instead, while Taylor then suffered a quadriceps injury mid-match and was unable to field.

New Zealand Cricket issued a brief update after training at Wellington’s Basin Reserve on Friday. Another key player who will also be involved, and has had a significant impact in both matches so far, is all-rounder Mitchell Santner. He followed his big-hitting 45 not out to clinch the series opener in Hamilton with his first ODI half-century in his 50th match at Mount Maunganui two days ago. It was not enough to keep the Kiwis in front, however, or extend their previous winning streak to equal the national record of 10 matches.

“We were outplayed, especially the way they bowled up top and didn’t give us much, we lost wickets at crucial times, and 220 was never enough on that surface.” said Santner.

He can hope for much better at the Westpac Stadium, a venue where New Zealand trounced England at the last World Cup and also beat them in last month’s Twenty20 Tri-series. As for his own fortunes, Santner is understandably encouraged by the improvement which has belied his batting position down at number eight.