Ahead of the ENG vs NZ opening, Sachin Tendulkar, the 2023 World Cup ambassador, escorts the trophy to the platform. The trophy was carried to the podium before the first match between England and New Zealand on Thursday, October 5, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad by Sachin Tendulkar, the ICC’s World Cup 2023 ambassador.
Prior to the national anthems and the start of the prestigious ICC competition between the defending champions and runners-up in style, the great set the trophy on the podium.
Several images posted on social media show Tendulkar carrying the trophy as he enters the stadium. Look at what follows:
For those who are unaware, Tendulkar has scored the most runs in the competition. With a 56.95 average across 45 games, the right-handed batter has scored 2278 runs, including six tons and 15 half-centuries. With 1743 runs in 46 games, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is in second place.
Tendulkar shares the most tons in the ICC competition with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who also has six centuries. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, the cricketer from Mumbai, who also holds the record for the most runs scored in an international match (34,357), won the 50-over championship in 2011. His playing career included six ODI World Cup appearances.
In the 2023 World Cup opener against England, New Zealand chooses to bowl.
In place of captain Tom Latham, New Zealand elected to bowl after winning the toss and playing against England on Thursday. Kane Williamson (as a precaution), Tim Southee (injury), and Lockie Ferguson (ailment) were all benched by the Blackcaps.
Latham threw the coin and said: Kane isn’t quite ready, regrettably. Ferguson is experiencing a minor ailment. Southee, Kane, and Sodhi are all left out.
Ben Stokes (niggle), David Willey, Reece Topley, and Gus Atkinson were all absent from the starting lineup for England due to injury.
