Over-by-over report: The Cricket World Cup opens with a repeat of the 2019 final. Join our writers for updates
So the story begins. Ten teams, 45 days, 48 matches and not a single boundary countback: the 2023 World Cup is upon us. The hosts are usually involved on opening night, but for the BCCI’s chief schedulers, a rematch of the greatest ever ODI final proved irresistible.
The tournament starts with England v New Zealand in Ahmedabad – just as it did, a little weirdly, the last time the hosts weren’t involved in the opening game., when England were living on a different white-ball planet. This year they start as holders of both white-ball trophies and second favourites behind the hosts India.
The format – everybody plays everybody, with the top four going through to the semi-finals – makes this World Cup a marathon, not a sprint. But it’s still important to get out of the blocks apace. England know from the horrors of 2019 that an early defeat can be a significant sliding door. England and New Zealand have the oldest squads in the tournament, a slightly droopy nose ahead of Australia. That comes with obvious benefits and potential weaknesses. Over the next six weeks, starting today, we’ll find out where they are in relation to the top of the hill.
England already sit proudly at the top table of great white-ball teams. If they win this tournament, they’ll have a case for being the greatest of them all.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cricket World Cup 2023: team-by-team guide to the tournamentIndia are hosts and hot favourites but the strength of the other leading nations promises quite a contest over the next six weeks
Read more »
From Livingstone to De Leede: my six players to watch at the Cricket World CupLate-blooming batsmen, key all-rounders or impressive young bowlers – who will prove the matchwinners in India?
Read more »
Cricket World Cup 2023: all you need to know about this year’s eventFrom the intricacies of net run rate to the weather at the venues and the likely winners, here’s our essential lowdown
Read more »
Cricket World Cup has low-key buildup but tumbling records hint at thrills to comeThe lavish opening ceremony has been cancelled but hosts India are scoring faster and every country emphasises attack more
Read more »
Ben Stokes an injury doubt for England’s World Cup opener with New ZealandBen Stokes is an injury doubt for England’s World Cup opener against New Zealand, with a sore hip placing question marks over his place
Read more »
Australia name Netball World Cup winners in Diamonds squad for Constellation CupAll but two of Australia’s Netball World Cup winners have been named in the Diamonds squad for the Constellation Cup series against New Zealand
Read more »