Eoin Morgan cites "lack of experience in the chase" for England defeat by New Zealand in Nelson

England seemed to be coasting to victory in Nelson, sitting pretty on 139 for 2 as they chased 181 for victory, before a flurry of wickets saw the tourists fall short, closing their innings on 166 for 7

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Eoin Morgan suggested the inexperience of England's lower middle order was highlighted after his side suffered a batting collapse to lose the third T20I against New Zealand.

England seemed to be coasting to victory in Nelson, sitting pretty on 139 for 2 as they chased 181 for victory, before a flurry of wickets saw the tourists fall short, closing their innings on 166 for 7.

Morgan's dismissal - caught by Colin Munro as he attempted to heave Mitchell Santner for a third six from the 15th over - precipitated England's downfall.

After the captain departed, James Vince soon followed for 49 before Sam Billings, Sam Curran and Lewis Gregory were all out for single-figure scores. New Zealand now lead the five-match series 2-1.

"That's one that got away from us," said Morgan. "I thought we were in control the whole chase, probably until we went three or four down - then the lack of experience in the chase possibly cost us.

^{England lost five wickets for 10 runs in Nelson}

"But the guys that have come in need to play more games and get in more situations like that, in order for us to find more out about them.

"I think it's great the series has been so competitive so far, we're integrating everybody into the squad, but certainly we feel that's one that slipped away."

Despite the nature of the defeat, Morgan remains adamant that his team's proactive cricket, although not risk-free, is the right way to approach the game as they build up to next year's T20 World Cup in Australia.

"The gameplan remains the same. Everything about what we do is positive, smart, aggressive cricket - in the field, with the bat, with the ball - and we want young guys to come in and adapt to that," he said.

"There are a lot of positives to take from today but, certainly moving to Napier and a must-win game to level the series, we'll need to up our game."

The fourth, and potentially decisive, match of the series is due to begin at 5am GMT (6pm local time) on Friday.

NOW READ: Talking Points from England's loss in Nelson

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