The head-to-head record and ODI form information for England vs. New Zealand, the opening match of the ICC World Cup 2023

Starting on Thursday, the ICC One Day International (ODI) World Cup will resume where it left off with England, the reigning champions, taking on New Zealand, the runners-up from the last edition. In 2019, the Black Caps and reigning world champions England faced off in the Mother of All Finals at the legendary Lord's Back. Nothing separated the two teams even after the Super Over as the summit match ended in a draw.

After being removed for 182, Kyle Jamieson of New Zealand congratulates Ben Stokes of England (AP)

Four years ago, England won the 50-over format for the first time, courtesy of the boundary countback rule. The first-ever encounter between New Zealand and England since the contentious World Cup final will take place in India at the 134,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium. Eoin Morgan, the captain of the World Cup winning team, has already retired from the format, but veteran all-rounder Ben Stokes was brought into the team after his retirement was reversed.

Stokes might not play against New Zealand in the World Cup opener.

England's match-winner in the thrilling 2019 World Cup final was Stokes. Prior to England's opening match of the ICC World Cup 2023 against the Kiwis, captain Jos Buttler of England stated that Stokes is questionable due to a hip ache. The Englishman was also absent from the defending world champions' final training session in Ahmedabad. Tim Southee, a speedster, and captain Kane Williamson will be missed by New Zealand.

FORM GUIDE (up to the past five games played)

Britain - WWWWL

Australia - WWLLL

Overall Head-to-Head Record (in ODIs):

95 matches

Win for New Zealand: 44

England triumphs 44

No outcome: 4.

3 tied

Were you aware?

In their last ten encounters with the Kiwis, world champion England has experienced five losses and four victories. Prior to England's victory over New Zealand in their World Cup group stage encounter at Chester-le-Street, the European powerhouses had suffered five World Cup defeats to the Kiwis. The last World Cup victory for New Zealand was against England in 2015. Following a 3-1 victory over New Zealand at home in the bilateral series last month, England is also headed to their first World Cup. Trent Boult, the leading bowler in One-Day Internationals, needs three wickets to get 200 scalps.