Cook revels in England resolve
February 20, 2013 16:29:17 UK
England skipper Alastair Cook has revealed his delight after his side levelled up the ODI series with New Zealand on Wednesday.
The tourists were well beaten in the opening encounter of the series in Hamilton but produced a fine display in Napier to level things up with the Black Caps.
New Zealand batted first and recorded a total of 269, thanks to standout performances from Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum who scored 100 and 74 runs respectively.
However Cook, Jonathan Trott and Joe Root all made significant contributions to the chase, as England secured an eight-wicket victory.
The tourists will be looking ahead to the decider in Auckland on Saturday but for now Cook was just pleased with how his side bounced back after the disappointment of Hamilton.
He said: "I thought the way we bowled up front was outstanding.
"Steven Finn and James Anderson really bowled well. We gave them nothing to get going, took some wickets, and put them under pressure.
"It was only a fantastic effort from Brendon McCullum that got them up to a decent score.
"We knew 270 was probably a little bit below par on that wicket. We knew if we kept our heads batting and kept wickets in hand, as it proved it was quite an easy chase."
England are 1.50 to win in Auckland, with the Black Caps at 2.62.
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