Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"When you are batting and the pitch has played nicely and you get the only grubber your heart is in your mouth. It is a nightmare. I'm laughing because I have been there."

Alasdair Evans replaces Davey, whose opening two overs went for 20, and after an opening long hop is dispatched to the cover boundary by Bell, one keeps a shade low and pins him on the crease. Not out is the decision and the Scots decide not to review, just as well as the replay shows umpire's call, the ball only clipping leg stump.

Wardlaw is up around 130km/h, only about 80mph, but he is accurate and is getting some bounce. England are happy to respect him with the amount of loose bowling at the other end. Just the single to each batsman.

Grant:, external Kinda hoping Scotland win so Moores can explain why England are the most improved side in the world.

Russell:, external For all the pessimists, remember 1992? Pakistan bowled out for 74 in group stage, went on to win... Against England, but still.

Totum:, external Hope we don't wake to the news an England bowler has won an Oscar for best comedy performance in a supporting bowler role.

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Poor, poor over for Scotland. Shocking. The England batting has cocked up twice in this tournament but that is very gentle, easy pace and it has ruined the good work of Iain Wardlaw."

Image source, Reuters

Moeen's fiercely struck cover drive just falls short of the cover fielder and he takes full advantage with some fluent strokes on the off-side as Josh Davey offers him width, and then the most classical lofted drive down the ground sails over the ropes for the first six of the match.

Wardlaw, who has 33 wickets from his 19 ODIs, is right on the money, however, and Bell takes no chances, content to play out the first maiden.

Nerves from medium pacer Josh Davey, who has all manner of trouble with his line to left-hander Moeen and sends down a total of four wides on either side of the wicket. There is swing there though and the last ball is a beauty, beating the bat.

Image source, Getty Images

*Figures correct before this match

Rangy seamer Iain Wardlaw, reminiscent of Nigel Havers in Chariots of Fire with his floppy hair flowing in the breeze, opens up but there are no alarms for the batsmen as Bell gets off the mark with a trademark drive through the covers for a couple.

The outfield is magnificently manicured, with broad horizontal and vertical stripes creating a classic chequered appearance and the square is cut diagonally in narrower stripes, like a pristine putting green. We're all set.

Robin Gelder:, external If I was Scotland I wouldn't fear this English batting line-up. It is lacking power up top.

Aashish:, external Beyond insanity Alex Hales is not playing! There's stupid, there's stubborn and there's the England cricket selection panel.

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"All the associates are under the spotlight to show that the standard is much better than we think, and they have done a very good job so far. But there is so much more pressure on England than on Scotland.

"Theoretically, the longer the game the more chance the senior side should win as there is more time to dig yourself out of a hole. Sri Lanka showed us that yesterday against Afghanistan."

Image source, Getty Images

The Scots link arms for a spirited rendition of Flower of Scotland on the pipes and the drums. Plenty of followers for them. England linking arms for God Save The Queen is almost something of an after thought.

This means a lot to the England fans too though, one has his cap across his heart. Will the team play with such passion today? It has to be said, all the ingredients are there for more alarm bells to start ringing for England though, as openers Ian Bell and Moeen Ali walk to the wicket.

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Scotland played pretty well against New Zealand and made two changes. England played appallingly in both games and I think this is there last chance. They cannot muck up in this game.

"It is quiet a muggy day. I was watching some of the bowlers warming up and there appeared to be a bit of movement in the air. But there will be tension in the hands and minds of the English batsmen. But there is a lot to be said about batting first to post a score."

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland reached the World Cup by winning the qualifying tournament staged in New Zealand last year. Their fans have already arrived at the Hagley Oval in readiness for another triumph. Not sure where Mel Gibson is.

Gareth Edwards:, external Not sure what message an unchanged team says to other squad players? Mediocrity rewarded? loyalty a virtue, this is head in sand.

Ben Crawshaw:, external Glad England are batting first, could be all over by midnight so won't be too bad waking up for work tomorrow.

BenFides:, external England name unchanged side.... Pull the other one!! Is it really April 1st already?!?

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Christchurch

"It's hard to describe the devastation still seen in Christchurch, some four years on from the earthquake, the anniversary of which was marked yesterday. This picture of the Cathedral perhaps does a better job than any words.

"However, the atmosphere and enthusiasm for hosting the World Cup surpasses that of any other city I've been to. There's a 'fan trail' marked through the city's botanic gardens, a piper playing Flower of Scotland and a mayor who says she is 'grateful' for us to be here. Quite an occasion."

Image source, Sri Lanka

*Figures correct at start of World Cup