Kane Williamson wary of England's batting depth

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson believes England is a strong force to reckon when it comes it to the One-day Internationals. The five-match ODI series will kick off on February 25 (Sunday) between hosts Kiwis and England.

The batting mainstay for the Black Caps, Williamson believes England has been remarkable particularly in the 50-over fold.

“They are very aggressive with the bat, and their balance is one of their biggest strengths with the number of all-rounders,” Williamson briefs media ahead of the Hamilton ODI.

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Known for his batting prowess, Williamson states England has more on offer. He added his team is equally up to the task owing to the home conditions in the impending grueling series.

“We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. The way we’ve been adapting to conditions, which have changed a lot, has been a real strength,” Williamson said.

In the recent past one year, England has shown dominance in the 50-over format. However, the major reason for their success has been their depth in the batting order.

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Stokes yet again grabs headlines on his return:

The 27-year-old Tauranga-born Williamson asserted it is not only about the star all-rounder Ben Stokes, who could be threatening for the hosts.

“There are a number of quality match-winning players in the English side … (so) it’s tough to focus on one name,” Williamson further added.

Kane Williamson up for the challenge:

Pertinently, the batting all-rounder Stokes is making a return to fold after Bristol fracas in September his arrest.
Having the ability to change the complexion of the game, Stokes’ inclusion would further boost the morale of the visiting side.

“There’s been some good one-day cricket played by our group, but we do know we’ll have to adapt to the opposition and the surfaces – which have been different throughout each venue,” Williamson maintained.

England camp welcome after his little-over five-month exile from international cricket.

Talking about the recent ODI record at home, Kiwis boast about eight wins in eight outings against Pakistan and Windies respectively.

“We know it’s a tough challenge, but one the guys are looking forward to,” Williamson concluded.

However, on the other side, Eoin Morgan-led England routed Australia by 4-1 in the five-match Gillette ODI series recently.

The confirmation of Stokes’ availability has already come to fore for the first ODI. However, he is not expected to deliver the quota of his ten overs.

Spoken to England captain Eoin Morgan just now & he says that assuming he comes through today’s net session, Ben Stokes will be fit & available for tomorrow’s 1st ODI although may not bowl full allocation of 10 overs.

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Here’s the newsfeed:

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson defends international T20 fixtures

Ben Stokes likely to return for England in the Hamilton ODI