England have a tough road ahead of them in this World Cup

By: Wisden India

England couldn't have had a tougher challenge to kick off their World Cup campaign: After a 111-run thrashing at the hands of Australia in their first match in Melbourne, Eoin Morgan's side face another title favourite, New Zealand, as the tournament moves to Wellington on Friday The first two matches are England's toughest in the league stages, but this also presents them an opportunity to gain early momentum in a long tournament.

For that though, they need to lift their games drastically in all departments. Against Australia, England's fielders dropped two crucial catches, conceded 342 runs – including 105 in the last ten overs – and their batsmen were shot out in less than 42 overs.

England's batting line-up seems endless on paper, but recent form suggests otherwise. They have been bowled out 12 times in the last 18 matches and average only 58.80 in the final 10 overs. Their problems start with their captain. Morgan is desperately short of runs – he has just two in the last five innings, apart from four ducks.

Moeen Ali grabbed the opener's spot with some fine, attacking performances, but his form too has slumped. Ian Bell and Joe Root have shown glimpses of ability, but they need to be more consistent against a balanced New Zealand attack. The middle order, however, will take confidence from James Taylor's unbeaten 98 – which could have been a century if not for an umpiring error – against Australia. "The guys are really disappointed. There is a sense of frustration," admitted Morgan. "The big games that we play are great practice games for the later stages in the tour. If we can get a win against good opposition , it will give us the confidence ".

All their bowlers conceded more than six runs an over in Melbourne, but England's fourpronged pace attack will hope for more swing in New Zealand. If that happens, James Anderson and Stuart Broad could pose a serious threat to the hosts. Steve Finn is high on confidence after a fivewicket haul, including a hat-trick, in the first match and lends balance to the attack. England dropped Ravi Bopara for Gary Ballance to strengthen their batting, and that is unlikely to be changed just one match into the tournament.

New Zealand, on the other hand, are the team to beat. Their batting line-up runs deep and all of them have shown terrific form in recent times. They lost seven wickets in a paltry chase of 143 against Scotland, but McCullum brushed off the batting failure saying it was a case of trying to chase quickly.

They should, however, be wary of complacency against a potent English attack. Ross Taylor in particular will look to get some runs under his belt after a pair of failures in the opening two matches. Their bowling attack is built around the pace trio of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Adam Milne, while Daniel Vettori dons the spinner's role to perfection. Form and home advantage favour New Zealand. That could, however, count for little if England can play to potential.