It is rare that a team wins a limited overs match by 210 runs and goes into the next game of the series as underdogs, but that is the case this week for England against New Zealand at the Oval.

Eoin Morgan’s men defied the odds at Edgbaston on Tuesday as they pummelled 408-9 off their 50 overs and skittled the Kiwis for just 198. It was the biggest margin of victory in England’s ODI history and has created a lot of excitement given the number of new faces in the team and new aggressive style from the English.

England’s three most prominent batsmen were all in top form in Birmingham. Joe Root and Jos Buttler both plundered centuries whilst Morgan managed 50. This is extremely encouraging as these men in this kind of rhythm are likely to go on and contribute throughout the series.

The less experienced group of Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes and Sam Billings all failed to make much of an impact but that should not be too concerning. Stokes and Roy were certainly unlucky with their dismissals and if just one or two of these big-hitters can fire around the main three batsmen then England will be in a good place.

The bowling is more of a worry than the batting for England but their attack was impressive on Monday. However, many attacks look good with over 400 to defend.

Nevertheless, Steven Finn looked to be bowling very accurately which is excellent news for England fans, whilst Adil Rashid was impressive in spinning it both ways and picking up four wickets in the process.

The reason New Zealand remain favourites is that they have been producing thrilling performances, like that of England’s, for some time now. They have an equally destructive batting line-up and in Trent Boult they have the best pace bowler on show. The Black Caps may well also recall Tim Southee who is a major threat in English conditions.

It had been thought that the Kiwis’ aggression would have been too much for England to handle this series but they have shown they can fight fire with fire.

After England’s dominant performance on Monday they must have every chance of victory again on Friday. The English have also enjoyed the Oval in recent years with wins over Sri Lanka and South Africa in their last two games there; no mean feat. In contrast, New Zealand have won just twice at the Oval in six attempts.

England have got to be the value pick for this one at 11/10.