3 stats you need to know before the World Cup kick-off

With all the excitement surrounding the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 the team at Rediff Labs looked at aggregate team statistics from last 4 years (Feb 2011 to Feb 2015) for all 10 test playing countries to find out the key statistics you need to know before the kick off...(click to read more)

The 10 captains of the teams based in Australia walk out on to the stage along with the flag of their respective countries.

Michael Clarke, as expected walks out to a loud cheer but he will be missing the opening match against England on Saturday because of injury.

All the captains walk past the glittering World Cup trophy and one is sure they would all be dying to get their hands on it come March 29.

Jhoom Bollywood Dance Company dance to the tunes of 'Dhating Naach' from the movie Phata Poster Nikla Hero and all the Indians in the crowd break into an instant jig. Even Mahendra Singh Dhoni sports a smile as he applauds that performance.

The Scottish bagpipers follow and then we have the steel drum band from the West Indies.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, Taqi Khan sings 'Kabul' to welcome Afghanistan, who are appearing in their first-ever World Cup.

Music Group 4th Dimension and some dancers dish out a peppy Bangla number to cheer for Bangladesh.

Next up are some ballet dancers to bring some British flavour and cheer for the England team.

The spotlight will now shift to the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne as the opening ceremony in Christchurch comes to an end.

The opening match of the ICC World Cup will be a high-voltage clash between hosts New Zealand and 1996 champions Sri Lanka at Christchurch on February 14 at 0330 IST.

The second match of the day is another power-packed match between traditional rivals Australia and England at Melbourne at 0900 IST.

Check out the complete schedule

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni poses for a photograph with his Pakistan counterpart Misbah-ul-Haq ahead of the opening ceremony in Melbourne.

The two teams will clash in their opening match in Adelaide on February 15.

'Captains Together' Misbah Ul-Haq & MS Dhoni unite as they arrive at the #cwc15 opening ceremony in Melbourne," ICC tweets.

ICC CEO David Richardson unveils the World Cup trophy and welcomes all the teams to the mega-event.

Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key says it is a proud moment for New Zealand to host the prestigious Cricket World Cup.

Angelo Mathews along with his entire Sri Lankan squad strides on to the stage with the ICC World Cup trophy placed right at the centre.

The Zimbabwe players are next up followed by South Africa while a loud cheer greets the home team -- New Zealand.

A bunch of kids on the stage trying to recreate a game of cricket and they are joined by none other than former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming.

A few of New Zealand's famous sportsperson are also welcomed on stage before one of Sri Lanka's famous cricketing superstar Lasith Malinga joins them along with Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum.

Richard Hadlee makes his way to the stage with a crooked finger, making sure that the local fans don't miss umpire Billy Bowden, who is on duty in Australia.

Team India are working hard in the nets and only captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will attend the opening ceremony in Melbourne, it has been learnt.

Meanwhile, the full Australian team have already made their way to the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.

Afghanistan's players just can't wait for the World Cup to begin as they get ready for some action at the opening ceremony.

Check out the video posted by ICC https://vine.co/v/OPZQUhxzEvX"

The @ACBOfficials are excited for #CWC15 to begin!" says ICC.

"Hagely Park an absolute picture for the@cricketworldcup opening event as the sun goes down#cwc15" New Zealand Cricket post a picture on their official Instagram account @blackcapsnz.

"Great vibe at the Hagley Oval Park in Christchurch. The locals seem really excited for this tournament #cwc15" tweets Cricket South Africa."Proteas kitted out for the #CWC15 opening ceremony in Christchurch #ProteaFire," it adds.

South Africa captain AB de Villiers and Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura were also presented on the stage.

New Zealand cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee also got a huge applause from his home fans as he graced the stage.

The traditional dancers from New Zealand are enthralling the audience at the North Hagley Park.

The dance representing Maori Warriors of New Zealand fill the stage before the flags of the participating nations are brought out.

The ICC World Cup opening ceremony is underway at North Hagley Park in Christchurch, on Thursday.

New Zealand will play Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament, on February 14. Check out the complete schedule.

The two captains -- Brendon McCullum of New Zealand and Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka  -- got a huge cheer when they spoke briefly during the opening ceremony.