ENG vs NZ: New Zealand Coach Gary Stead Wants Ben Stokes To Score Runs Now Rather Than World Cup

New Zealand coach Gary Stead has said that he doesn’t mind Ben Stokes smashing big knocks in the ongoing England vs New Zealand ODI series. Gary Stead also hopes that it is better that Ben Stokes scores runs now rather than World Cup.

His words arrive after Ben Stokes slammed an impeccable knock of 182 runs in the 3rd ODI against New Zealand. With his knock, Stokes also drove England to a mammoth total of 368 in 1st innings. Later, England won the match by 181 runs.

ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes Smashes England Record With Scintillating 182-Run Knock Against New Zealand

I Would Rather Hope Ben Stokes Scores Them Now Than On October 5: Gary Stead

While speaking to the media in the post-match press conference, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said that he would rather hope that Ben Stokes scores runs in the ongoing series than on October 5. England and New Zealand will face each other in the ICC World Cup 2023 opener on October 5 in India.

“Ben Stokes played an amazing innings, England’s best. That was pretty special to watch. I don’t mind Ben Stokes. I’d rather hope he scores them now than on October 5”, said New Zealand coach.

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Gary Stead also hailed Trent Boult for his fabulous bowling show in the match. Boult hunted 5 wickets in the encounter. Stead also talked about Mitchell’s Santner injury during the match.

“It’s great to have Trent (Boult) back. He brings a lot of energy, and a lot of skill. It’s just a pity we haven’t been able to capitalise on those starts. Mitch (Mitchell Santner) had a bit of a scan on his knee … But it’s come back positively, which is good for us. He’s just got quite a bit of swelling around the knee still which they think is a joint problem. So it’s nothing more than that,” Gary Stead added.

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England Defeat New Zealand By 181 Runs

Talking about England vs New Zealand 4th ODI, England piled up 368-10 in 1st innings with a century by Ben Stokes (182) and 96 by Dawid Malan. Trent Boult picked 2 wickets at the start to give a big blow to England. However, Malan and Stokes added a 199-run stand for 3rd wicket.

Later, England also bowled out New Zealand for 187 runs and won the match by 181 runs. England has a 2-1 lead in the series after three ODI games. The 4th ODI will be played on September 15 at Lord’s.