England host New Zealand in a Group A fixture in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. The game, to be played in Cardiff, is critical to the host nation's chances of progressing to the semi final. Alastair Cook's men will be eliminated from the tournament if they lose to the Kiwis, regardless of the result in the final game of the group - between Australia and Sri Lanka.

New Zealand top Group A with three points. England and Sri Lanka have two each, with the former ranked second thanks to a considerably healthier Net Run Rate. The Aussies are bottom and need to beat the Lankans at The Oval tomorrow, while hoping England lose to New Zealand, to progress.

The equation, therefore, is very simple. England must win to qualify for the knock-out stage.

New Zealand are not particularly better off either. The Kiwis may lead the group but a defeat here will leave them waiting on Monday's game. If Australia win, it will come down to Net Run Rate between the two neighbours... but if they lose at Cardiff and Sri Lanka win at The Oval, then Brendon McCullum and his men will exit the tournament.

Joe Root - Jonathan Trott
Reuters

Where to Watch Live

Play starts at 10.30am BST. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD. Follow the match live, via text updates, on ESPN Cricinfo.

Overview

England were comprehensively beaten at The Oval in midweek, despite posting a massive 293 batting first. Half centuries from Cook (59), Jonathan Trott (76) and Joe Root (58) delighted the home fans, with Ravi Bopara's 13-ball 33 adding the final touch.

In reply though, the hitherto impressive English seam trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan failed to provide wickets or contain the scoring. The visitors, led by a superb and unbeaten 135-ball 134 from Kumar Sangakkara, cruised to a seven-wicket victory. The veteran batsman was accompanied by Tillakaratne Dilshan (44), Mahela Jayawardene (42) and Nuwan Kulasekara (58).

The Kiwis had to settle for a point apiece against Australia at Edgbaston, after rain produced a No Result. The Australians made an abysmal start batting first, losing Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes with only 10 runs on the board. Fighting half centuries from captain George Bailey (55) and Adam Voges (71) and contributions from Mitchell Marsh (22), Matthew Wade (29) and Glenn Maxwell (29 not out) helped the former champions to 243 in 50 overs.

In reply, the Kiwis also suffered a poor start, with Clint McKay sending openers Luke Ronchi and Martin Guptill back inside the first eight overs. Kane Williamson (18 not out) and Ross Taylor (nine not out) steadied the innings but rain at 51/2 stopped all play.

Kane Williamson
Reuters

Team Form

  • England (most recent first): L W W L W
  • New Zeaalnd (most recent first): D W L W W

Team News

Despite failing to defend a very strong 293 in their last game, England may opt to retain the same side. The possible change could be James Tredwell coming in to freshen things up but that means one of either Broad or Bresnan will have to sit out.

Probable Line-Up: Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson

Seamer Tim Southee is a doubt but Grant Elliott is back in contention and he could replace Ronchi in the side, given the opener has struggled for form. There are unlikley to any other changes though.

Probable Line-Up: Luke Ronchi, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum, James Franklin, Nathan McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee/Doug Bracewell, Kyle Mills, Mitchell McClenaghan

Australia