The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just around the corner. In a thrilling opener scheduled for Thursday, October 5, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, cricket fans will witness a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final. England and New Zealand will once again lock horns, setting the stage for an exciting tournament kickoff.
England versus New Zealand at the awe-inspiring Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket venue. While England enters as the favorites, it’s worth noting that New Zealand always brings their A-game in the World Cup tournament. Nevertheless, the English team is currently in stellar form and aims to kickstart their title defense with a resounding victory. Today, we’ll delve into our predictions for England’s starting XI in the opening match.
ENG vs NZ: England’s Predicted Playing XI vs New Zealand
1. Jonny Bairstow :
Jonny Bairstow, is a powerful right-handed opener, having the ability to challenge any bowling attack on varied pitches. He has been a reliable connection at the heart of England’s batting lineup, sporting remarkable numbers. In the opening match, he intends to instantly apply pressure on the New Zealand bowlers, setting the stage for a strong start for the English squad.
2. Dawid Malan :
Dawid Malan’s inclusion in the England squad has proven to be a masterstroke. He’s been absolutely outstanding at the forefront of the batting order, where he’ll continue to open the innings. This southpaw has been in sensational form, amassing 591 runs across nine ODIs in 2023, boasting an exceptional average of 73.87. His remarkable tally includes three centuries and three half-centuries, and he’s determined to maintain this impressive momentum.
3. Joe Root :
Joe Root’s role as the No. 3 batsman is absolutely vital in a lineup packed with power-hitters. He’s been the team’s standout performer across all formats for years, making him a linchpin for the upcoming tournament. Root’s primary job will be to act as the steady anchor, laying the groundwork so that his teammates can unleash their attacking prowess.
4. Ben Stokes/Harry Brook :
Ben Stokes’ comeback significantly enhances England’s prospects of defending their title. His ability to shine under immense pressure on the grandest stage is unparalleled. Stokes, the architect of England’s journey to the 2019 finals against New Zealand, is undoubtedly aiming for a repeat performance. His recent scintillating 182-run innings against New Zealand in the ODI series underscores his exceptional form. However, there’s a slight concern with Stokes nursing a hip issue leading up to the match, and a decision regarding his availability will be made just before the game. Should he be unavailable, the talented young batsman Harry Brook might step in to fill his shoes in the starting lineup against New Zealand.
5. Jos Buttler (c) :
Jos Buttler is positioned in the middle order with the intent to seize control of the game from the opposition. Given the pitch conditions that are favoring the batsmen and not offering much assistance to the bowlers, Buttler possesses the capability to dismantle any bowling attack that comes his way. As the captain, he carries the burden of leading by example and is keen on delivering a captain’s performance to kickstart his team’s campaign with a victorious beginning.
6. Moeen Ali :
Moeen Ali brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent years honing his skills on Indian pitches. He’s an indispensable asset for the England team, contributing significantly with both his batting and bowling abilities. Moeen played a pivotal role in the triumphant 2019 World Cup squad, and once again, he’s expected to be a linchpin in their upcoming campaign. His prowess with the ball will be particularly vital for England’s chances. In the year 2023, Moeen has managed to amass 209 runs and claim 11 crucial wickets in ODIs, underlining his consistent and impactful performance.
7. Liam Livingstone :
Liam Livingstone stands out as the team’s ultimate game-changer. He possesses the prowess to launch massive sixes, making him one of the most formidable power hitters in the game. Positioned at number 7 in the batting order, he enjoys the freedom to take on the bowlers right from the outset. Livingstone has notched up an impressive 186 runs across four innings, and when he hits his stride, he can completely alter the game’s dynamics in just a few overs.
8. Sam Curran :
Sam Curran, the standout performer in England’s victorious T20 World Cup 2022 campaign, is poised to play a crucial role in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. As a true all-rounder, he possesses the ability to influence matches with his batting and bowling prowess. Having honed his skills in the IPL while playing in India, Curran is well-acquainted with the unique challenges posed by Indian conditions. Consequently, his bowling expertise is set to be of paramount importance to England’s prospects in the World Cup hosted in India.
9. Reece Topley/Chris Woakes :
Opting for a left-arm angle consistently shows to be the most effective technique for getting wickets in any cricket team’s arsenal. Reece Topley embodies this key skill set for England. This towering left-arm speedster succeeds at collecting wickets during the first swing period, and then, as the innings advance, he adeptly handles the vital death overs, thereby putting a lid on the opposition’s scoring possibilities. Seeing the conditions, England might also go with Chris Woakes who is a handy and vital all-rounder for them.
10. Adil Rashid :
Adil Rashid, the seasoned leg-spinner, holds the pivotal role as England’s specialist spinner. His expertise lies in both claiming crucial wickets and applying pressure on opposing batsmen during the middle overs. Notably, Rashid has emerged as England’s top wicket-taker in the year 2023.
11. Mark Wood :
Mark Wood presently stands as one of the swiftest bowlers internationally, frequently measuring speeds above 150 km/h. His ability to unleash thundering deliveries provides a formidable challenge to any batter, frequently leaving them unsettled. In the next encounter against New Zealand, Wood is ready to lead England’s pace assault, emerging as their most deadly weapon.
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