Four years on from that infamous match at Lord’s, in a completely different setting at the imposing Narendra Modi Stadium, will we have a match as exciting as that final? In some ways, it’d be a much-needed shot in the arm for a World Cup that has otherwise been in the limelight for varied reasons, including a focus on the format of the game itself. There’s a case to be made that the interest around a World Cup is not necessarily dictated by the general interest in the format, or an overdose of cricket.
Even as there is a clamour for tickets for India matches and other marquee games in the tournament, the acid test for the tournament could be in how the rest of the matches figure in public memory, especially in India. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that no game apart from that final still holds a place dear to the heart for most cricket fans, neutral or otherwise. It is with that lingering memories that this one kickstarts with many a key performer still around, or making a comeback for the tournament.
Trent Boult against England’s marauding top order, the potential return of Ben Stokes, the fire-breathing Mark Wood etc promise to offer plenty for any cricket tragic. As does the prospect of following England’s journey in the tournament and if they can make a case for themselves as all-time greats by winning the World Cup twice in a row. Or could New Zealand break their rut in the white-ball game to become world champions. Momentum is often an operative word used by teams themselves in a tournament like this, giving the tournament-opener an extra edge as it starts a 48-day long journey.
How will England’s ultra-aggressive methods fare on pitches that they’d find in India? Do they have a conservative zone to switch to if the situation demands so? Can New Zealand rise beyond the tag of underdogs? How will they cope up until Kane Williamson and Tim Southee return? Those are some of the questions that could have answers coming early in the tournament, perhaps even in Ahmedabad.
And if they do come, there’d be enough to whet the appetite for a World Cup where there are more enticing clashes to follow.
When: October 5, 2023 at 14:00 IST
Where: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
What to expect: A sultry, warm day going by how the lead-up has been in Ahmedabad. The pitch is bound to have some dryness as a result. Traditionally at the venue, there has been a tendency for some movement for the pacers as the lights come on.
Teams:
England
Presented with a problem of plenty, England have a variety of options to go with in the pace department. That they could afford to leave out both Reece Topley and David Willey if needed is enough of an indicator of how well stocked they are. With both being amongst the wickets, it’d be a tough call to make one way or another. Additionally, they’d be having a close look at the progress of Ben Stokes who has had a hip niggle. His participation in the opening game will depend on how he pulls up at practice, with Harry Brook being the stand-by if required.
Tactics & strategy
While Trent Boult offers plenty upfront with the new ball, there is a case for him to be used as a match-up against Ben Stokes, whom he has dismissed thrice so far at an average of 24.
Probable XI: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes/Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c,wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
New Zealand
How would New Zealand fill in the gap left by the absence of Kane Williamson in the top order? The inclusion of Rachin Ravindra at the top or by having James Neesham at the bottom offer solutions. Having scored a 97 in the warm-up game, Ravindra could just get the nod ahead while offering a spin option as well.
Tactics & strategy
Moeen Ali matches up well against Tom Latham, having picked him thrice overall, which could be food for thought for New Zealand if a situation arises where the batting order can be shuffled around.
Probable XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c,wk), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham/Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
Did you know?
- Dawid Malan has two fifties and one hundred in three outings against New Zealand, all of which came as recently as last month
- Joe Root averages 54.54 in World Cup games with three hundreds and as many fifties
- New Zealand have tackled Adil Rashid effectively over the years, with the spinner averaging 41.22 at a S/R of 43 in ODIs