ENG vs NZ, ICC World Cup 2019: England opt to bat; New Zealand make 2 major changes

The hosts have are going unchanged in today’s game while the Black Caps have made two changes to the side

The winners of Wednesday's match between England and New Zealand at Chester-le-Street are guaranteed a place in the last four and even the losers could still make it through to the knockout stages. But a World Cup semi-final was the last thing on England's horizon when they were skittled out for just 123 by New Zealand in a group match at Wellington four years ago. The Black Caps then overhauled that woeful total in a mere 12.2 overs, winning with a colossal 226 balls to spare en route to an eventual defeat by fellow co-hosts Australia in the final. But the way New Zealand played in that 2015 tournament made a lasting impression on Morgan, then as now England's skipper in 50-over cricket. Four years down the line, both the sides meet again in a crucial clash as the winner graduates to the semi-final of the ongoing World Cup. Toss Update: England skipper Eoin Morgan has won the toss and decided to bat first. The Three Lions have are going unchanged in today’s game. “We will bat first because of pitch and overhead conditions. There is more on the line so there is more excitement. This game is like a QF for us. Victory against India have boosted our confidence. New Zealand are a strong wide we have to play well to compete,” said Morgan On the other hand, the Black Caps have made two changes to the side. “I would have liked to bat first too but the pitch doesn't change much here. It is important that we do the job with the ball first-up. Southee and Henry come in place of Ferguson and Sodhi. Ferguson has been outstanding for us in this tournament, especially in the middle overs. He has a hamstring niggle. Hopefully, he will recover quickly,” said New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. Here are the teams: New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), Colin de Grandhomme, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood