Tuesday 23 June 2015 18:20, UK
New Zealand’s Martin Guptill expects Tuesday’s T20 international against England at Old Trafford to be just as exciting as the recent 50-over series between the sides.
On Saturday, England clinched the five-match series 3-2, thanks to a remarkable victory at Chester-le-Street.
The game in Durham was typical of the entire series and Kiwi opener Guptill believes Tuesday’s clash over the shorter format will be just as pulsating.
The 28-year-old said: “The one-dayers was a pretty amazing series.
“Unfortunately, we came out on the wrong side. But we’re still confident and up for Tuesday night.
“The whole tour’s been exciting – the Test matches and one-day series. The cricket has been exciting and I don’t see any change on Tuesday.
The cricket has been exciting and I don’t see any change on Tuesday
“Everyone has agreed it was a remarkable series in the one-dayers and it was fantastic to be a part of it.”
England’s 13-man squad features five uncapped players in the shorter format – Sam Billings, Reece Topley, James Vince, David Willey and Mark Wood – with Billings hopeful that the spirit which was clearly evident in the ODI squad will carry forward into the T20 match.
And the 24-year-old Kent player also paid tribute to interim coach Paul Farbrace who will soon be making way for new national boss Trevor Bayliss.
Billings said of Farbrace: “He's been fantastic around the dressing room. He’s got this group of players playing how they’ve done for their counties and instilled that belief in them.
“The talent in the dressing room is undoubted and it’s been a great dressing room to be a part of.
“Hopefully, they can take it into the Ashes and when we play Australia in the one-day games too.”
And Billings, who made his international debut earlier this month, accepts that the difference between the Test game and the 50-over format is becoming greater.
He added: “The gulf between one-day cricket and Test match cricket has probably widened in the last few years.
“Scoring 400 in 50 overs is now seen as normal. The guys who aren’t in the Ashes squad will go back to their counties and play like England players.”
Billings played in all five ODIs against New Zealand and would love to continue in the national 50-over side.
"It's been a great advert for one-day cricket," he said. “It has been a phenomenal experience and one that I will remember for the rest of my life.
“It is a childhood dream and it's what you get up every day for. It has been fun, a great two weeks.
“But the one-day team has a lot of competition for every single place.”
England should be unchanged for the match, although Essex paceman Reece Topley could make his international debut if Steven Finn or Mark Wood is rested.
Jos Buttler's ongoing absence with a injury to the webbing on his left hand means Jonny Bairstow will retain wicketkeeping duties.
A few tickets are still available for the match and can be obtained at www.lccc.co.uk/tickets
