The Japan Times - Malan stars as England post 311-9 against New Zealand in 4th ODI

The left-handed opener, who passed fifty in all three of his innings in the series, anchored England's 50-over innings at Lord's, reaching his fifth ODI century from 96 balls.

Captain Jos Buttler chipped in with 36 but, despite Malan's barrage, England were pinned back by four wickets from New Zealand spinner Rachin Ravindra.

Malan was last month named in England's provisional World Cup squad, but his place was believed by some to be under threat from young gun Harry Brook, who came into the side at Lord's for the rested Ben Stokes.

Stokes was the hero at the Oval on Wednesday, smashing 182 in England's 181-run victory, which put them 2-1 up in the series.

England won the toss at Lord's but Jonny Bairstow departed early for 13, caught at slip by Daryl Mitchell off the bowling of Matt Henry, bringing Joe Root to the crease.

England's former Test captain was dropped twice early in his innings, with New Zealand paceman Tim Southee injuring his thumb in dropping the second chance.

Root smashed Ravindra for a four and a six but the bowler had his revenge when the batter attempted a huge slog-sweep and was bowled for 29.

Brook, part of England's victorious Twenty20 World Cup-winning side, failed to make the most of his chance, departing for 10 to give Ravindra a second wicket.

That brought Buttler to the wicket and he was soon into his stride with a thumping six off the bowling of Glenn Phillips.

Malan, who scored 96 in the third ODI, reached his century in the 32nd over with a whipped shot for two on the leg side.

But Buttler soon departed in tame fashion, caught at mid-off, to leave England 195-4, once again slowing their momentum.

Malan eventually fell for 127 off 114 balls, edging a wide delivery from Ravindra to wicketkeeper Tom Latham to give the bowler a third wicket.

England's 243-5 soon became 250-6 as Moeen Ali holed out to substitute fielder Trent Boult in the deep off the impressive Ravindra, who finished with 4-60 off his 10 overs.

Liam Livingstone was lbw for 28 and Sam Curran made 20, with England failing to build on the strong foundation provided by Malan.

Opener Jason Roy was once again absent from England's batting line-up with back spasms, raising questions over his fitness for the World Cup, which starts in India next month.

World champions England and New Zealand will face each other in the first match of the tournament in Ahmedabad on October 5.

T.Sasaki--JT