2023 Cricket World Cup: Everything the UK Audience Needs to Know
For cricket enthusiasts in the UK and around the globe, the Cricket World Cup 2023 holds significant prominence. Taking place in India, the epicentre of cricketing passion, this year’s edition promises thrills and spills. Here’s what you need to know.
England’s Stance: Jason Roy and Selection Dilemmas
Despite his absence from the main squad, Jason Roy has made his intentions clear. “If there’s an injury, I’m available as England’s reserve batsman for the World Cup,” he asserts. Roy’s exclusion from the 15-man squad to represent England at the World Cup in India wasn’t without its share of drama. He gracefully declined an offer to participate in the ODI series against Ireland. Matthew Mott, the head coach, validated Roy’s aspirations, quoting, “We know you’ve got a proven performer you call on at any time.”
Discussing the potential changes in the batting order, Mott elaborated that England’s selection for a substitute batsman would be contingent upon who might get injured during the tournament. With the likes of Ben Duckett showcasing brilliant form, the middle-order batsman’s position appears secure.
Cricket World Cup 2023: Key Dates
When does it all begin?
The cricketing carnival commences on Thursday, Oct 5. The first match will witness England lock horns with New Zealand in Ahmedabad, rekindling memories of the nail-biting 2019 final. Under the leadership of Jos Buttler, England will then spar with all participating teams in a round-robin format, culminating in a face-off against Pakistan. As for India, their home World Cup campaign kick-starts against Australia in Chennai on Sunday, Oct 8.
The Hosting Saga: India’s Turn
Controversies and cricket often go hand-in-hand. This World Cup was no exception with India’s tussle with Pakistan over hosting rights. However, a consensus was reached, and the Asia Cup’s hosting was divided between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. As the main event unfolds, Pakistan will compete on Indian soil, marking a significant diplomatic and sporting gesture.
UK TV Guide: Don’t Miss the Action
For ardent followers in the UK, Sky Sports Cricket is your gateway to live action. Complementing live matches will be a daily highlights package broadcasted at 7 pm on Channel 5, an absolutely free-to-air option. For those looking for some binge-watching later, the highlight reel will be accessible on Channel 5’s on-demand platform, My5.
The Competing Nations
Ten cricketing giants will vie for the coveted title. These include the host nation, India, along with cricketing powerhouses like New Zealand, England, Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. Notably absent are former champions West Indies, as well as Ireland and Zimbabwe.
Understanding the World Cup Format
Echoing the 2019 structure, this year’s World Cup will feature a round-robin phase, semi-finals, and the grand finale. Each victory will add two points to the team’s tally, while a tie or no result fetches one point. The top four teams will progress to the semi-finals. Significantly, the contentious boundary countback rule has been scrapped.
Cricket World Cup 2023: The Fixture List
Thursday, Oct 5
England v New Zealand – Ahmedabad (09:30 UK time)
Friday, Oct 6
Pakistan v Netherlands – Hyderabad (09:30 UK time)
Saturday, Oct 7
Bangladesh v Afghanistan – Dharamsala (06:00 UK time)
South Africa v Sri Lanka – Delhi (09:30 UK time)
Sunday, Oct 8
India vs Australia – Chennai (09:30 UK time)
Monday, October 9
New Zealand v Netherlands – Hyderabad (09:30 UK time)
Tuesday, Oct 10
England v Bangladesh – Dharamsala (06:00 UK time)
Pakistan v Sri Lanka – Hyderabad (09:30 UK time)
Wednesday, Oct 11
India v Afghanistan – Delhi (09:30 UK time)
Thursday, Oct 12
Australia v South Africa – Lucknow (09:30 UK time)
Friday, Oct 13
New Zealand v Bangladesh – Chennai (09:30 UK time)
Saturday, Oct 14
India v Pakistan – Ahmedabad (09:30 UK time)
Sunday, October 15
England v Afghanistan – Delhi (09:30 UK time)
Monday, Oct 16
Australia v Sri Lanka – Lucknow (09:30 UK time)
Tuesday, Oct 17
South Africa v Netherlands – Dharamsala (09:30 UK time)
Wednesday, Oct 18
New Zealand v Afghanistan – Chennai (09:30 UK time)
Thursday, Oct 19
India v Bangladesh – Pune (09:30 UK time)
Friday, Oct 20
Australia v Pakistan – Bengaluru (09:30 UK time)
Saturday, Oct 21
England v South Africa – Mumbai (09:30 UK time)
Netherlands v Sri Lanka – Lucknow (06:00 UK time)
Sunday, Oct 22
India v New Zealand – Dharamsala (09:30 UK time)
Monday, Oct 23
Pakistan v Afghanistan – Chennai (09:30 UK time)
Tuesday, Oct 24
South Africa v Bangladesh – Mumbai (09:30 UK time)
Wednesday, Oct 25
Australia v Netherlands – Delhi (09:30 UK time)
Thursday, Oct 26
England v Sri Lanka – Bengaluru (09:30 UK time)
Friday, Oct 27
Pakistan v South Africa – Chennai (09:30 UK time)
Saturday, Oct 28
Netherlands v Bangladesh – Kolkata (09:30 UK time)
Australia v New Zealand – Dharamsala (06:00 UK time)
Sunday, Oct 29
India v England – Lucknow (08:30 UK time)
Monday, Oct 30
Afghanistan v Sri Lanka – Pune (08:30 UK time)
Tuesday, Oct 31
Pakistan v Bangladesh – Kolkata (08:30 UK time)
Wednesday, November 1
New Zealand v South Africa – Pune (08:30 UK time)
Thursday, Nov 2
India v Sri Lanka – Mumbai (08:30 UK time)
Friday, Nov 3
Netherlands v Afghanistan – Lucknow (08:30 UK time)
Saturday, Nov 4
England v Australia – Ahmedebad (08:30 UK time)
New Zealand v Pakistan – Bengaluru (05:00 UK time)
Sunday, Nov 5
India v South Africa – Kolkata (08:30 UK time)
Monday, Nov 6
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka – Delhi (08:30 UK time)
Tuesday, Nov 7
Australia v Afghanistan – Mumbai (08:30 UK time)
Wednesday, Nov 8
England v Netherlands – Pune (08:30 UK time)
Thursday, Nov 9
New Zealand v Sri Lanka – Bengaluru (08:30 UK time)
Friday, Nov 10
South Africa v Afghanistan – Ahmedabad (08:30 UK time)
Saturday, Nov 11
England v Pakistan – Kolkata (08:30 UK time)
Australia v Bangladesh – Pune (05:00 UK time)
Sunday, Nov 12
India v Netherlands – Bengaluru (08:30 UK time)
Wednesday, Nov 15
Semi-final 1, (First plays fourth) – Mumbai (08:30 UK time)
Thursday, Nov 16
Semi-final 2, (Second plays third) – Kolkata (08:30 UK time)
Sunday, Nov 19
Final – Ahmedabad (08:30 UK time)
What Do the Odds Say?
For those keen on some speculative fun, here are the latest odds:
- India 5/2
- England 13/4
- Australia 9/2
- Pakistan 7/1
- New Zealand 10/1
- South Africa 10/1
- Sri Lanka 33/1
- Bangladesh 100/1
- Afghanistan 100/1
- Netherlands 1000/1
Team England: The Men Representing the Three Lions
Here’s a look at the English warriors for the World Cup:
Jos Buttler (Lancashire – captain)
Moeen Ali (Warwickshire)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Reece Topley (Surrey)
David Willey (Northamptonshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
Travelling reserve – Jofra Archer
On the sidelines, yet crucial, is Jofra Archer, the travelling reserve. Mott shed light on various decisions, including Jason Roy’s omission and the latter’s subsequent replacement with Harry Brook. The dynamics of the team evolved, with certain players proving their mettle, while others missed out due to unforeseen circumstances, like injuries.
Matthew Mott also lauded the addition of cricketing legend, Andrew Flintoff, to the coaching staff for the New Zealand and Ireland ODIs. Flintoff’s aura, experience, and insights make him an invaluable asset. As for Ben Stokes, his U-turn on retiring from one-day cricket sees him re-emerge as a vital cog in England’s machinery, more so after his scintillating performance against New Zealand recently.
In Conclusion
The 2023 Cricket World Cup in India is more than just a tournament; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the love for the game, and the unity it fosters. For those in the UK and beyond, it promises a spectacle like no other.
