ICC Champions Trophy 2017: England vs New Zealand, 5 players to watch out for

Modified Jun 05, 2017 23:34 IST

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 04: Martin Guptill of New Zealand bats during game five of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park on March 4, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) — Guptill is due a big knock after a string of low scores

#4 Alex Hales

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 01: Alex Hales of England bats during the ICC Champions Trophy match between England and Bangladesh at The Kia Oval on June 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) — Hales is a critical member at the top of the England batting order

Much akin to Guptill, Hales is England's aggressor at the top. He and Joe Root have formed a superb pairing for England in recent times and bowling units have found it increasingly tough to break their partnership once they get going.

Hales started his tournament with a smart 94 against Bangladesh but would be ruing the fact that he missed out on a hundred. Hales’ strength lies in his ability to hit through the line on any track. He is comfortable against pace and can expect loads of that from the Kiwi quicks. With the ball expected to come on to the bat, Hales remains a big threat.

Record against New Zealand

Matches - 5, Runs - 165, HS - 67, Avg - 33.0