- Ben Stokes will probably miss the ICC World Cup 2023 opening match against New Zealand.
- Kane Williamson and Tim Southee are both out of the game owing to fitness-related concerns.
- England’s head coach Gary Stead has a long-term perspective on his ability to play again.
The opening match of the 2023 Cricket World Cup features a repeat of the 2019 final between England and New Zealand, which became England’s first men’s World Cup victory.
With an aging but well-balanced team, the two nations will compete against one another in an open competition conducted in India. Round-robin group stage matches will be played, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals.
ICC World Cup
Ben Stokes will probably miss the ICC World Cup 2023 opening match against New Zealand since he is still healing from a bothersome hip issue. Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand, and Tim Southee, who is recovering from a fractured thumb, are both out of the game owing to fitness-related concerns.
Williamson would play against Pakistan in the exhibition match only as a batsman, New Zealand had earlier announced in a release.
Williamson will be replaced as the captain of the Kiwis by wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham. In the game, which the Kiwis won by five wickets with 38 balls remaining, he made 54 off 50 balls.
While acknowledging that Kane’s recovery is going well, England’s head coach Gary Stead has a long-term perspective on his ability to play again.
Kane’s recovery will continue to be monitored day by day by the team to make sure he can withstand the pressure and rigors of international cricket. Southee’s replacement captain, Latham, expressed optimism for the team’s comeback and noted that it is a day-by-day process.
In order to defeat New Zealand and take home the 2019 World Cup championship, Stokes’ courageous Super Over innings of 84 unbeaten and 15 runs was essential. The probable lack of such a match-winning player is a serious problem as England prepares to defend their title.
