Former India's explosive batter Virender Sehwag has proposed an interesting advice to ODI World Cup 2023's organisers to boost fans' turnup in the showpiece event. Following a big dip in fans' attendance in Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium during the ODI World Cup 2023 opener between England and New Zealand, Sehwag couldn't resist himself from giving his two cents on the subject. The sight of empty seats at such a globally anticipated event undeniably disappointed countless cricket enthusiasts across various social media platforms.
To revive the enchantment of ODI cricket, especially amidst the younger generation, Sehwag opined that the organisers of the World Cup 2023 could consider distributing free tickets to school and college students for matches that don't feature India. "Hopefully after office hours, there should be more people coming in. But for games not featuring Bharat, there should be free tickets for school and college children. With the fading interest in 50 over game, it will definitely help that youngsters get to experience a World Cup game and players get to play in fron (sic) of a full stadium," Sehwag articulated these views on the renowned social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter.
As for the much-anticipated World Cup opener, New Zealand squared off against defending champions England, in a rematch reminiscent of the gripping 2019 final. The game was crucial for both sides; however, England was conspicuously missing their ace player, Ben Stokes, due to an unforeseen hip injury.
In the absence of regular captain Kane Williamson and Tim Southee, both sidelined due to injuries, Tom Latham assumed the leadership for New Zealand. Addressing the pitch conditions, Latham optimistically remarked, "Looks a reasonably good surface. Hopefully, later on, it gets better to bat. Preparation has been great."
Contrarily, England's captain Jos Buttler confirmed the absence of Stokes attributing it to a "niggle with his hip". England integrated Harry Brook into the lineup as a replacement for Stokes, who had previously been enlisted for the World Cup as a specialized batsman. However, due to a persistent knee injury, he's been ruled out from the bowling side. Commenting on the team's strategy and preparation, Buttler stated, "Looks a really good wicket. Preparation has been okay. Had a good series against New Zealand at home. Very proud of the achievement four years ago."
Talking about the match, England overcame early jolts and rode on Joe Root's gutsy 77 off 86 to post a challenging total of 282/9 against New Zealand after put to bat first. While Matt Henry (3/48) was pick of the bowlers for Kiwis, Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips took two wickets each to keep England batters in check.
England's playing XI: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (wk/capt), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
New Zealand's playing XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk/capt), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Trent Boult.
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