New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl in the first one-day international against England at Bay Oval on Sunday, as the visitors fine-tune their preparations for next month’s Ashes series in Australia.

England welcomed back Joe Root, Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith after the trio missed the weather-hit three-match T20 series. Pace bowler Jofra Archer was available but has been rested for this match. Allrounder Sam Curran and fast bowler Luke Wood are also eyeing spots in England’s Ashes squad.

Kane Williamson returned to action for New Zealand after a seven-month layoff. The star batter last featured in an ODI against India in Dubai in March. Will Young, Tom Latham and Nathan Smith also rejoined the side after sitting out the T20s.

New Zealand captain Mitch Santner said he was uncertain about what to do after winning the toss, noting the Bay Oval pitch has some grass but should still be good for batting.

England captain Harry Brook said he would have opted to bat first. A strong cross-wind at the venue is expected to have a role in the contest.

The first Ashes Test will take place in Perth from November 21 to 25.

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Lineups

New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry.

England: Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (capt), Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.

Source: AP