WATCH: Joe Root plays his famous reverse scoop for six in opening game of 2023 ODI World Cup

Defending world champions England began their title defense on Thursday. Their opponents were familiar foes in New Zealand. The two teams played an enthralling final during the 2019 ODI World Cup. Joe Root decided to steal the show as the ODI World Cup 2023 started with a bang.

It was a hot and sultry day in Ahmedabad as the two teams made their way to the stadium. Tom Latham won the toss and chose to bowl first to make use of the better conditions while chasing. The Kiwis were without their regular skipper Kane Williamson who is still feeling the effects of his injury.

The English team came into the game without their star all-rounder Ben Stokes who is suffering from with a slight niggle. The 2023 ODI World Cup’s first game was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Joe Root (source-twitter)

Joe Root’s audacious shot for six has fans going crazy

Former English skipper Joe Root has become the best batter in the world in the last few years. On Thursday, the 33-year-old showed the reason why he is a menace to the bowlers. The incident in question happened in the third ball of the 12 over during the English innings.

Trent Boult came round the wicket and bowled a full ball outside off stump. Joe Root positioned himself perfectly and changed the grip of his bat. The Englishman played his now famous reverse scoop as it traveled for a six. This shot had fans in shock as the ball nearly went straight over the wicketkeeper's head for a six.

Watch the video below:

Shot of the day!

What a shot by Joe Root!#CWC23 #ViratKohli #ENGvNZ #ENGvsNZ #ICCCricketWorldCup #Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/LlMys6eVh5

— Vasudevan K S | வாசுதேவன் கீ ஸ்ரீ🇮🇳 (@VasudevanKS4) October 5, 2023

England opened with Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan as they faced off against Trent Boult. It was the right-handed opener that got the 2023 ODI World Cup going with a flick shot which went all the way for a six. The opening stand was worth 40 runs before Malan was caught behind off Matt Henry for 17.

Jonny Bairstow had hit Trent Boult for 12 runs in the first over of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Yorkshire batter was out when he was caught by Daryl Mitchell off Mitchell Santner for 33.

Harry Brook hit Rachin Ravindra for two fours and a six before holing out Devon Conway for 25. Brook’s innings contained four boundaries and a six which came off just 16 balls.