World Cup 2023: In the thrilling world of cricket, every match in a tournament like the World Cup is crucial. The inaugural match of the ICC World Cup 2023 saw defending champions England face off against New Zealand, both of whom were finalists in the last edition. As the game heats up in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, both teams are missing some of their top players. Here’s a detailed look into who’s missing out and why:
Injury-Hit Superstars: The Big Absences
- Ben Stokes (England): The superstar all-rounder from England is out due to an injury.
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand): NZ’s regular captain, Williamson, had an injury during the IPL. Despite recovering, he’s not entirely fit and has been rested.
- Tim Southee (New Zealand): A vital pace spearhead for the Kiwis, Southee injured his finger recently.
- Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand): The fast bowler is also missing the opening game due to a minor injury. The exact nature of the injury remains unclear.
- Ish Sodhi (New Zealand): The Indian-origin Kiwi spinner isn’t playing, not due to injury, but team combination. Instead, New Zealand has chosen Mitchell Santner as the specialist spinner.
Team Compositions: The Playing Elevens
World Cup: England’s Playing XI
- Jos Buttler (Captain)
- Jonny Bairstow
- Dawid Malan
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Liam Livingstone
- Moeen Ali
- Sam Curran
- Chris Woakes
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
World Cup: New Zealand’s Playing XI
- Tom Latham (Captain)
- Devon Conway
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- James Neesham
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Trent Boult
In Focus: Captains
While Kane Williamson is the designated captain for New Zealand in this World Cup, he was rested for the opening match due to fitness issues. In his absence, Tom Latham is leading the Kiwis. For England, the dynamic Jos Buttler is at the helm.
Final Thoughts: The World Cup’s opening match has surely missed the flair of some of these superstars. But, it’s an opportunity for young talents to shine and for teams to display their depth. As the tournament progresses, fans will hope to see these star players back in action, bringing their charisma and skills to the field. Until then, let’s celebrate the spirit of the game and cheer for the players who are battling it out in the middle.
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