Cricket: ODI win could come down to the coin toss

Ross Taylor says NZ need to put England under pressure with the ball.Photo / File

Both sides concede tonight's deciding One Day International could come down to the toss of a coin.

The Black Caps and England are level on one each heading into game three at an Eden Park which offers short boundaries straight down the ground.

England batting coach Graeme Thorpe says bowling first seems to be the best option.

"Obviously we chased pretty well the other night and New Zealand did in the first game so we'll have to see.''

Whether they bat or bowl first, Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor's imploring his side to start much stronger this afternoon.

New Zealand was slow with the bat through the first 20 overs in Napier and failed to take a wicket until the 20th over with the ball.

Taylor says they need to put England under pressure with the ball and make sure they at least rotate the strike when they bat.

Which ever team bats first may have to hit 300 if they want to win third One Day International.

Thorpe says an imposing score will be needed.

"If you go back and you look at some of the scores which have been here, they're not as high as you think they could be. I know that there was a score over 300 I think when Pakistan played a few years ago, so I think you're capable of scoring 300 if you set the game up well for yourself.''

Play gets underway at 2pm.