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.
The tournament opener will feature ten teams vying for the title of World Champions. New Zealand is entering the competition on the heels of a successful 2-0 series victory against Bangladesh. As a result, New Zealand is likely to be well-informed about England’s strategies for the upcoming high-stakes match.
ENG vs NZ: New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI vs England
1. Devon Conway :
Devon Conway is set to play a pivotal role for New Zealand at the opening position due to his extensive experience in Indian conditions and his remarkable consistency as a top-order batsman for the Black Caps. Conway boasts an impressive record, having accumulated 449 runs in 10 matches at an average of 49.88 while representing New Zealand. His ability to post substantial scores makes him a key asset, and he’ll undoubtedly be eager to notch up a significant innings against England.
2. Will Young :
Will Young is currently performing admirably as a top-order batsman for the New Zealand cricket team. He has taken over the role previously held by Martin Guptill and is now shouldering significant responsibilities. Young’s performance in ODIs this year has been noteworthy, amassing 578 runs in 14 innings at an impressive average of 44.46. Remarkably, he has notched up five centuries during this period.
3. Daryl Mitchell :
Daryl Mitchell, a versatile player known for his prowess in the middle order, holds a significant role in his team’s lineup. He’s faced England in all three formats of the game and consistently delivered outstanding performances. England seems to be a team he particularly enjoys batting against. In the year 2023, Mitchell has featured in 16 matches, amassing an impressive 652 runs at an average of 43.46. Additionally, he’s made a valuable contribution with the ball, taking nine wickets. As a result, his all-round abilities are poised to play a pivotal role for his team.
4. Tom Latham (wk & c) :
In the upcoming opening game against England, Tom Latham is set to lead the team, stepping in for Williamson who is expected to be unavailable. Latham has been at the helm for the past 5 to 6 months, and his wealth of experience is proving invaluable in the middle order for his side. This southpaw has notched up 415 runs from 16 ODI innings this year.
5. Glenn Phillips :
Glenn Phillips is undoubtedly a game-changer for the New Zealand team. He’s a versatile player who excels in batting, bowling, wicket-keeping, and fielding. His evolution as a bowler has been notable, and he’s the dynamic force that New Zealand relies on to close out matches. In the year 2023, he’s had 10 innings, amassing 293 runs at an impressive average of 32.55. As we look ahead to the upcoming tournament, Phillips will undoubtedly be aiming to elevate his performance and further bolster his statistics.
6. Mark Chapman :
This presents a fantastic chance for the young cricketer. In T20Is, he has displayed his batting prowess effectively at the top of the order. His skill as a left-handed batsman lies in his ability to consistently rotate the strike, which can prove to be quite a challenge for bowlers. However, his primary responsibility will be to stabilize the innings in case we lose a wicket.
7. Mitchell Santner :
Mitchell Santner has proven himself as a highly effective spinner, particularly in Indian conditions, as demonstrated during his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League. The Ahmedabad pitch, known for its spin-friendly nature, plays right into his strengths, making him a valuable asset for New Zealand. Notably, Santner’s batting prowess has seen significant growth, adding another dimension to his game. His ability to launch big shots lower down the order is indeed a valuable bonus for the New Zealand team.
8. Rachin Ravindra/Ish Sodhi :
The competition for a spot in the team is going to be quite intense between Rachin Ravindra and Ish Sodhi. However, it’s hard to ignore the impressive form that Ravindra displayed in the warm-up matches. He truly is a versatile player, excelling both with his spin skills on Indian pitches and his batting prowess. His contributions are expected to be crucial for the team in the upcoming World Cup.
9. Lockie Ferguson/James Neesham :
When it comes to England, they’ve got Mark Wood in their arsenal, while New Zealand boasts Lockie Ferguson. These two dynamic bowlers are poised to ignite the game with their exceptional skills. Ferguson, in particular, plays a crucial role as the first change bowler and during the death overs. His ability to crank up the speed can seriously trouble the batsmen, and let’s not forget how effective his change-up deliveries can be. These factors make him a key player to watch out for in any match.
10. Matt Henry :
Matt Henry has been the standout fast bowler for the team this year, delivering consistently strong performances. He’s been impressive, claiming 14 wickets in just 10 matches with an economy rate of 4.99. Notably, he played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s journey to the 2019 World Cup finals, cementing his status as a key contributor to the team’s success.
11. Trent Boult :
Trent Boult is the key figure in terms of bowling impact for both teams. He’s an absolute force to be reckoned with during the power play, and New Zealand’s fortunes will hinge significantly on his performance. If Boult manages to dismiss a couple of opposition batsmen during the early overs, it will set New Zealand on a promising path.
