In a blistering critique of England’s performance in the opening clash of the ODI World Cup 2023, Michael Atherton, former England cricketer, left no stone unturned in his assessment. England’s encounter with New Zealand, which culminated in a resounding nine-wicket defeat, was far from the performance fans had anticipated. Setting a target of 283 runs for the Kiwis, England’s effort fell short of expectations.
“England will have to show significant improvement very quickly after a rusty and drab performance brought defeat in a manner that has rarely befallen them in recent times. No barest of margins here, just a hammering. Buttler’s players were thankful, no doubt, that there were not more viewers in the ground to witness matters,” Atherton penned his thoughts for The Times
