ENG vs NZ, 1st ODI | Buttler, Stokes, Livingstone Fifties Power England To 291
Captain Jos Buttler's knock helps England post a total of 291
The England vs New Zealand ODI series has kicked off where the Kiwis asked the hosts to bat first. In the first game itself, captain Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes have shown what they are capable of and smashed half-centuries. Liam Livingstone smashed the Kiwis as well.
Heading into the World Cup, this ODI series is important for England and New Zealand. England have called their premium set of players back which includes Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes.
Here's how the English skipper completed his half-century:
Coming back to ODIs after 14 long months, Ben Stokes came into bat at number four. The team was under pressure and both Buttler and Stokes played brilliantly and made a partnership of 88 runs. They took the team out of the pressure which eventually helped them post a healthy total of 291 runs.
Both of them looked in great touch and batted steadily. Rachin Ravindra who already took two wicket was bowling the 38th over. He pitched in short and Ben Stokes with his arial shot over the square leg, smashed a six and completed his 22nd ODI fifty in style. But he got out on the next-to-next delivery and Ravindra had the last laugh.
On the other hand, captain Jos played an impressive knock of 72 off 68 deliveries. He was under pressure when he came out to bat, but he batted positively alongside Ben Stokes. After Stokes got out, Buttler continued to play his shots and made a healthy partnership with Liam Livingstone, who also scored a quick fifty including three sixes and three fours.
The batters of England have done the job and now it's on to the bowlers to defend 291 runs in 50 overs.
 "Saksham Chugh")
