Cricket World Cup Opening Ceremony: Thunder Down Under After 23 Years

Australia and New Zealand's 23-year wait for the ICC Cricket World Cup will culminate in what is expected to be gaudy opening ceremonies on Thursday. With 14 teams and countless fans waiting with bated breath, Melbourne will join Christchurch in officially kick-starting the 11th edition of cricket's most coveted tournament - two days before the first ball is bowled. (Complete coverage of the World Cup)

From the razzmatazz of music and brilliance of fireworks to David Warner boxing a kangaroo - a symbol of Australia's symbol of sporting culture -- no stone is being left unturned in either Melbourne or Christchurch. A chance to showcase their splendor before cricketing battles take over, both cities - 2400 kilometers apart - are ready to welcome the world with open arms.

"The ICC Cricket World Cup is returning to Australia for the first time in 23 years and Melbourne is truly honoured to host the opening event," Victoria's minister for tourism and major events, John Eren, said.

As a city, Melbourne has been well-known to host spectacular ceremonies ahead of international sporting events. The city of over four million was the first in the southern hemisphere to host the Olympics - in 1956.  More recently, it hosted the 2006 Commonwealth Games and welcomes tennis and F1 superstars each year as well.

As such, many feel the red carpet for sportspersons is never really rolled back here. On Tuesday, it would be the turn of cricketers - both present and former - to walk under the spotlight. Adding to the festivities would be local artists -- pop star Jessica Hilda Mauboy, singers Tina Arena, Nathaniel and Daryl Braithwaite as well as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra - at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"It is fantastic to be working with the Victorian Government on this world-class event," ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Chief Executive John Harnden said.

Over at Christchurch, the celebrations are expected to be every bit as splendid. While weathermen have predicted a rather gloomy sky, there would hardly be anything dreary on the ground.

The third-most populated city in New Zealand, Christchurch may be a much smaller cousin of Melbourne, with a population of just over 367,700. What it lacks in number though, the city in the southern islands of the country is expected to make up in sheer spirit.

The event here will begin from 1830 hrs (local time, 11 AM IST) with roving entertainers and Kiwi cricket legends welcoming the world here. The main event - which begins from 2100 hrs local time- will put New Zealand's culture and love for cricket to the fore.

The city also promises a dazzling display of fireworks - one that locals would not have witnessed here before. While alcohol is not permitted here, according to New Zealand's tourism website - an exciting party towards the end will end the grand event.

-- Recap of the 2011 opening ceremony --

* The opening ceremony before the 2011 World Cup was held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka.

* At an estimated US$ 30 million, it was the most expensive opening ceremony in cricket's history.

* Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Indian artists performed at the event. Pop sensation Bryan Adams too performed to three of his best songs.

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The biggest challenge for Melbourne and Christchurch though, won't be thrilling fans. Bad weather and logistics too won't be a daunting concern. What would be, however, is providing it all under an impregnable security blanket.

Local forces in both cities have been deployed in huge numbers to thwart any threat. In the wake of the recent Sydney hostage crisis and five ICC laptops - containing sensitive information - being stolen in Christchurch on Wednesday, authorities are taking no chances. For both Melbourne and Christchurch then, security is paramount.

Overall though, the ICC World Cup opening ceremonies would be a chance for both cities to blend their rich culture with the zeal with which cricket is watched and played Down Under. While opening ceremonies at large are more about pomp and splendor, expect Thursday's events in both cities to be more about a general euphoria of getting the World Cup home.