On Thursday, October 5, cricket enthusiasts will be treated to a captivating face-off that's reminiscent of the 2019 final when defending champions England will take on New Zealand in the ODI World Cup 2023 opener. As the teams gear up for this highly anticipated match, England seems to be starting from a vantage point, thanks to their transformed white-ball prowess.
However, age might be catching up with the English side. Compounding their concerns is the uncertainty surrounding star player Ben Stokes, whose hip injury could potentially sideline him from the opening match. Despite these challenges, it's hard to dismiss the prospects of Jos Buttler's squad, especially considering their current hold on the T20 World Cup title.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has a different set of challenges. They are grappling with the absence of their linchpins, skipper Kane Williamson and seasoned pacer Tim Southee, both of whom are recovering from surgeries. Furthermore, Southee's fractured thumb adds to their list of concerns.
Yet, what's likely to dominate discussions leading up to the match is the unpredictability of the Ahmedabad pitch, which traditionally favours batsmen. England's roster boasts a star-studded batting lineup, enhanced by the return of Stokes from his ODI retirement. The powerhouse all-rounder has been a consistent big-match performer, leaving a mark in two recent World Cup finals.
However, England isn't all about Stokes. The Kiwi bowlers need to navigate through a lineup that features explosive players like Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and Harry Brook, coupled with technically sound batters such as Joe Root and Dawid Malan. Moreover, their bowlers like Mark Wood and leg-spinner Adil Rashid bring their own unique strengths to the fore.
The absence of Jofra Archer, England's leading wicket-taker in the 2019 edition, will be felt. But the presence of experienced players in the lineup might help balance the scales.
Contrastingly, New Zealand, known for outperforming expectations, will rely on players like Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway to hold the fort. With Tom Latham's recent form being a concern, the Kiwis will bank on power hitters like James Neesham and Glenn Phillips. Young talent Will Young is another promising addition.
While the absence of Southee weakens their bowling attack, New Zealand will be optimistic about pacers like Matt Henry, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson stepping up. Bolstering their hopes is Boult's commendable recent form.
On paper, England might seem the favourites, especially after their recent 3-1 ODI series win. However, encounters between England and New Zealand have a knack for defying predictions.
England's Squad: Jos Buttler (captain & wk), Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley, Gus Atkinson.
New Zealand's Squad: Tom Latham (captain & wk), Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Kane Williamson (unavailable vs England), Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (fitness monitoring), Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry.
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