Defending champions England got off to a disastrous start in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, suffering a humiliating nine-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand. Two men on a mission, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, racked up a 273-run partnership to power the Black Caps across the victory line.
Before the match, England captain Jos Buttler encountered a strange question during the pre-match press conference. A reporter asked Buttler if the absence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad would make any impact on England’s bowling in this World Cup.
Despite being recognized as all-format specialists, both English pacers had turned their back on white-ball cricket a long ago. Broad has already bid adieu to international cricket, having announced his retirement after the Ashes earlier this year in July. His last ODI appearance came back in 2016 during the South Africa tour. During his illustrious career, Broad played 121 ODIs and scalped 178 wickets.
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Anderson, on the other hand, still continues to lead the English pace attack in Tests. But his last ODI appearance came against Afghanistan during the 2015 ODI World Cup. He was not part of England’s World Cup-winning squad in 2019. In 194 appearances, Anderson has 269 ODI wickets under his belt.
The reporter’s question certainly stunned Buttler. But the Englishman calmly handled the situation. In a witty response, Buttler said that Anderson is available for selection, even though he has been out of the ODI format for almost eight years.
A journalist asked Jos Buttler in the PC if the absence of Anderson and Broad will affect their pace bowling in the tournament?Just look at him,he was trying so hard not to laugh 😂😭.#CWC23
Video Credit: @ICC Facebook pic.twitter.com/1rdOjglfEd— Delhi Capitals Fan (@pantiyerfc) October 4, 2023
“I think Jimmy is still available for selection. He has not played since 2015 and I don’t think Stuart has either even though he has retired. Those two guys unfortunately won’t be a part of this tournament. But yes we do have a really good side of fast bowlers, and spinners – a nicely balanced team,” Jos Buttler explained.
England’s bowling unit looked helpless in front of Conway and Ravindra’s devastating show during the World Cup opener in Ahmedabad. Except for Moeen Ali, every English bowler returned with an economy rate of over 7. Batting first, England set a target of 283 runs, riding on a half-century from Joe Root and a crucial 44-run knock from Buttler.
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New Zealand suffered an early blow during the chase, with opener Will Young dismissed for a golden duck. That’s when Conway and Ravindra joined hands and recorded New Zealand’s highest-ever partnership in the World Cup. Conway remained unbeaten at 152 runs, while Ravindra notched up his maiden ODI century, scoring 123 off 96 balls.
