England hit by rule change as Ben Stokes provides injury concern for World Cup
The 2023 Cricket World Cup begins in India today as England aim to defend their memorable 2019 success. Jos Buttler leads his team in a 50-over tournament for the first time and they start their campaign against the finalists from four years ago, New Zealand.
England are one of the favourites to go all the way to the final on November 19. Hosts India will also fancy their chances in home conditions, 12 years after they triumphed over Sri Lanka in Mumbai.
All 10 teams will play each other once in a round-robin stage before the top four go through to the semi-finals. Express Sport is on hand to provide you with regular content throughout the tournament.
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Virat firm over tickets
India superstar Virat Kohli won’t be giving any of his friends tickets for the tournament.
The former captain made that clear in a post on his Instagram story on Wednesday.
Kohli wrote: “As we approach the World Cup, I would humbly like to let all my friends know to not request me for tickets at all through the tournament.
“Enjoy from your homes pls.”
England hit by rule change
The rule which saw England won the 2019 World Cup has changed.
England triumphed in the Super Over at Lord’s despite tying with New Zealand because they had hit more boundaries than their opponents in the match.
But the ICC scrapped that rule late in 2019 and this year’s tournament will be the first without it.
If a Super Over is tied in the knockout stages, another Super Over will be played until a result is found.
On the rule change, Jos Buttler said: “It’s a good job it was there at the time! I think that is a good way to keep going. Four years ago the rules were different, we play to the rules.
“It would be amazing if it got to that point again, there’s obviously a chance. Whoever’s there, there will be a winner in the end.”
Ben Stokes injury concern
Ben Stokes is a doubt for England’s opener against New Zealand with a hip injury.
Captain Jos Buttler says they will take no risks with Stokes if the issue is still there this morning.
He said: “He’s got a slight sort of niggle in his hip, fingers crossed it will be good news for us.
“We’ll make the right call. If he’s not fit to play he’s not fit to play and if he is we can make that decision.
“You don’t want to take big risks on someone at the start of the tournament, nearer the end you may need to take more of a risk.”
Good morning
Good morning and welcome to Express Sport’s live coverage of the Cricket World Cup.
The tournament gets underway at 9.30am UK time this morning as defending champions England take on 2019 finalists New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
We will be bringing you live updates throughout the day so be sure to stay close to this page.
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