Williamson in, Taylor out of pivotal one-dayer

A spring-heeled Kane Williamson looked like he was willing to run through a brick wall to lead his country against England.

Having been cleared to captain New Zealand in today’s third oneday cricket international at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium, Williamson now faces an even steeper task of batting for two world-class players after Ross Taylor was ruled out.

It was a photo finish as to what was the more significant news at Basin Reserve training, but Taylor’s absence got the nod.

Less than a week after his 18th ODI century guided the Black Caps to victory in the series opener, their prolific No 4 leaves a huge hole and puts top domestic one-day runscorer Mark Chapman in the hot seat again.

In his fitness test Taylor struggled to sprint on the left quadriceps he injured while batting in their six-wicket defeat to England on Wednesday.

At least Williamson got through on his niggly hamstring to provide hope for New Zealand. England remain heavy favourites but it would have been a no-contest with Williamson and Taylor out.

The skipper’s return from a one-game absence and an awakening of England’s ghosts of Westpac Stadium may be something for New Zealand to cling to as they desperately try to maintain a foothold in the series at 1-1 with three to play.

Both teams reconvene in a Wellington ODI for the first time in three years, since that remarkable afternoon when Tim Southee’s seven-wicket haul blew England off the park at the Cricket World Cup.

Five England players and four New Zealanders return but a fair bit has changed since that hazy Friday in February, 2015.

Under Eoin Morgan’s busy leadership and with all-rounder Ben Stokes boosting their quota of matchwinners, England are confident and combative.

Wednesday’s victory, ushered in by man of the match Stokes after the Black Caps were skittled for 223 on an excellent pitch, swung the momentum violently.

New Zealand’s batting is under the microscope. Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls have missed out twice each and need to carry the burden; the former crucial in helping Martin Guptill give New Zealand a flyer during their winning streak.

Some poor shot selection and four run outs crippled New Zealand on Wednesday, combined with a razor sharp England fielding effort. More attention with the bat, a big one from Williamson and early wickets from the Black Caps quicks is the bare minimum required to keep this series seesawing to Dunedin.