And just a few hours later, the curtain rises on the 13th edition of the ICC ODI World Cup. England and New Zealand are entering the field in the first match of the season. These two teams were the finalists of the last season. With this, the World Cup season will begin after a long time without a match of the host country.
The match will start at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India at 2:30 PM Bangladesh time on Thursday.
New Zealand is a bit on the back foot due to the absence of regular captain Kane Williamson in the match. On the other hand, England is waiting for Ben Stokes, but there is concern about getting him. The 32-year-old English all-rounder is suffering from a minor hip problem.
Tom Latham will captain the side in Williamson’s absence. Besides, there is another thought in the Kiwi camp. They will not get the services of Team Southee for now. As a result, the leadership of the bowling attack will be in the hands of Boult.
David Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Jos Buttler can be seen in England’s batting. Apart from that, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes and Sam Karan can shoulder the responsibility in the middle. Reece Topley, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid can be seen bowling.
Will Young, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips can be in charge of New Zealand’s batting. After that, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner can take the lead. Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Trent Boult can be bowling.
England’s probable XI
David Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Reece Topley, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid.
New Zealand’s probable XI
Will Young, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (captain), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Trent Boult.
(October 5/NBW)