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Thunder down under

ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony today

Star Sport Desk
**At an estimated 30 million dollars, the 2011 World Cup opening ceremony in Dhaka was the most expensive in cricket's history**
Australia and New Zealand are ready to welcome back the ICC Cricket World Cup after a gap of 23 years. Much has changed over the
years but the exuberance of people down under for the sport has not and it is expected to be the toast ofThursday night.
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.
From the razzmatazz of music and brilliance of fireworks to David Warner boxing a kangaroo - a symbol of Australia's sporting culture - no stone is being left unturned in either Melbourne or Christchurch. A chance to showcase their splendour before cricketing battles take over, both cities -- 2,400 kilometres apart -- are ready to welcome the world with open arms.
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 Fl superstars each year as well.
As such, many feel the red carpet for sportspersons is never really rolled back here. On Thursday, it would be the turn of cricketers -- both present and former -- to walk under the spotlight.
Adding to the festivities would be local artists between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm Bangladesh time.
Over at Christchurch, the celebrations are expected to be every bit as splendid at
Christchurch's North Hagley Park. 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 main event - which begins from 2:00 pm Bangladesh time - will
put New Zealand's culture and love for cricket to the fore. The event will commence with a cultural welcome produced in association with Ngai Tahu, one of the original settlers. A live stage show will follow that will feature a special video appearance by all-time greats from New Zealand sport as part of a celebration showcasing an unrivalled history.
The momentous event will be capped off with extravagant fireworks displays, 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.
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.
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 splendour, expect Thursday's events in both cities to be more about a general euphoria of getting the World Cup home.