Match 1, Eng vs NZ : Kane Williamson and Tim Southee likely to miss New Zealand’s opening match against England
The excitement is building as the ICC World Cup 2023 kicks off with a thrilling clash between defending champions England and New Zealand. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for October 5, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, India. Cricket enthusiasts across the globe are eagerly awaiting this clash of titans.
Intriguingly, New Zealand will be stepping onto the field without their captain, Kane Williamson, who is still in the process of recovering from a knee injury sustained during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite his absence, Tom Latham and his team are determined to make a strong start to the tournament and leave a mark in their opening match against the formidable English side.
The last time these two teams faced off in the ICC World Cup, back in 2019, cricket fans witnessed an epic showdown. England emerged victorious in a nail-biting final, defeating New Zealand in a Super Over, a match that sparked countless debates among cricket experts and fans alike.
Both England and India are widely considered strong contenders for the ICC World Cup 2023 title. Still, it would be a mistake to underestimate New Zealand, given their talented lineup, which includes players like Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Tom Latham.
Let’s dive into the key details of this exciting matchup:
England vs. New Zealand Match Details
- Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
- Match: England vs. New Zealand, 1st Match
- Date: Thursday, October 05, 2023
- Time: 2:00 PM IST
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Expected Playing 11
England: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Liam Livingstone, Jos Buttler (c), Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Sam Curran, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, WA Young, DJ Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham (C), Tim Southee, MJ Henry, Trent Boult
Squads
England: Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler (c), Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.
New Zealand: Trent Boult, Kane Williamson (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
Head-To-Head Stats
- Total Matches: 95
- England Wins: 45
- New Zealand Wins: 44
- No Result: 4
- Tied: 2
Live Streaming Details
- Live Streaming: Hotstar
- TV: Star Sports Network
The Kane Williamson Conundrum
One of the major talking points leading up to this clash has been the absence of New Zealand’s star captain, Kane Williamson, in their opening match. Williamson, a cornerstone of the New Zealand cricket team, has been dealing with a knee injury sustained during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). While he did manage to play a crucial innings of 54 runs in 50 balls during a warm-up match against Pakistan, it has been deemed prudent to allow him more time to fully recover.
Cricket New Zealand’s decision to rest Williamson for this critical encounter underscores the importance of his fitness for the team’s prospects in the ICC World Cup 2023. Tom Latham, the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, is set to lead the Black Caps in Williamson’s absence. The team’s head coach, Gary Stead, has emphasized the need to prioritize Williamson’s long-term well-being and recovery over any immediate pressure to return to the field.
Stead commented, “Right from the start, we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play. His recovery is tracking well, and it’s now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigors and intensity of international cricket.”
While New Zealand will undoubtedly miss Williamson’s leadership and batting prowess, they remain determined to put on a strong showing and prove that they are formidable contenders in this marquee tournament.
Tim Southee’s Uncertain Participation
Adding another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated clash is the uncertain participation of veteran New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee. Southee suffered a dislocated and fractured right thumb during a recent ODI series against England. While he has been declared fit by the medical team, his full recovery remains a work in progress.
Reports suggest that Southee might miss the opening match against England, which could potentially impact New Zealand’s pace attack. Southee has been a key contributor to the Black Caps over the years, amassing over 200 wickets in 157 ODIs at an average of 33.60. His performances in previous World Cup campaigns have been stellar, and his absence would leave a void in the Kiwi lineup.
Looking Ahead
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits this clash of giants, the stage is set for a riveting start to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. England, the reigning champions, will look to defend their title with the same tenacity that saw them lift the trophy in 2019. New Zealand, despite the absence of Kane Williamson and the uncertainty surrounding Tim Southee, will aim to make a strong statement and establish themselves as serious contenders.
With a rich history of competitive cricket, memorable encounters, and nail-biting finishes, this England vs. New Zealand fixture promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the annals of cricketing history. Fans can expect high-intensity action, incredible performances, and a preview of the drama that awaits in the weeks to come.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates, in-depth analysis, and all the excitement from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Cricket fans, fasten your seatbelts, because the journey to crown the world champion has just begun, and it’s going to be a thrilling ride.
