ODIMOUNT MAUNGANUI, 26 October (H.S.): New Zealand captain Mitch Santner won the toss on Sunday and elected to field first against England in the opening One-Day International at Bay Oval. The match marks the beginning of a three-match series that serves as crucial preparation for England ahead of the Ashes tour in Australia, which starts in less than a month.

The contest features the much-anticipated return of several key players for both sides. New Zealand welcomed back star batsman Kane Williamson, who is playing his first ODI in seven months. Opener Will Young, Tom Latham, and Nathan Smith also rejoined the squad. For England, the lineup is bolstered by the return of Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Jamie Smith, who all missed the rain-affected T20 series.

Despite winning the toss, Santner expressed some indecision, noting the pitch had some grass but also looked good for batting. England’s captain, Harry Brook, confirmed he would have chosen to bat first.

A strong crosswind is expected to be a factor throughout the match.At the time of writing, England were finding it difficult at 141 for 6 after 25.2 overs, with captain Harry Brook and Jamie Overton at the crease.Playing XI

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar