The 2019 ICC World Cup kicks off on the 30th of May and there are three chief contenders to take out the title.
England
England go into the tournament as favourites on their home soil as they look for their maiden win at the event. This might be the most balanced England side we’ve ever seen in the ODI format.
Eoin Morgan’s side have shown an ability to hit massive scores in recent times, led by opening batsmen Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow. England are capable of knocking up scores in the mid-300s, defeating the likes of Pakistan, Ireland, India, Australia and the West Indies over the last 18 months.
Morgan is one of the best leaders in cricket and Jofra Archer is the most exciting and dangerous bowler in the tournament. The number one ranked ODI side will be more than a handful.
India
India are also one of the favourites, and like England, have basically no weaknesses throughout their squad.
India have had consistency through their side over the last couple of years which has really allowed them to gel. There might not be a stronger trio of batsmen in one team than Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, who are capable of leading this team to greatness.
The Indian captain and undisputed best batsman in the world holds the key to his side’s hopes. Kohli averages an impressive 54.46 in ODIs in the UK and is primed for a big series.
As impressive as their batting attack is, India’s bowling line-up is just as damaging when firing. They have the No. 1 bowler in the world in Jasprit Bumrah, with support from Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. And if spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are turning the ball, look out.
Australia
The boys in green and gold press their own strong case as they shoot for their fifth World Cup triumph from the last six tournaments.
The Aussies are bolstered by the returns of Steve Smith and David Warner after serving their 12-month bans. The duo are coming off big performances in the IPL and will undoubtably be hungry to repay their country.
However, after those two, there aren’t too many reliable batsman in this side. Aaron Finch is out of form and Shaun Marsh and Usman Khawaja have never shown they are capable of being alphas. Glenn Maxwell could be the real X-factor here.
Big run totals are expected at the World Cup, but Australia’s bowling attack should cause problems, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Nathan Lyon can single handily win games and Adam Zampa is a quality spinner.
The Aussies are ranked just the fifth best ODI side in the world, but the talent is there.
The next three
South Africa should never be counted out; however, veteran pace bowler Dale Steyn is entering the tournament with an injured shoulder and has already been ruled out of his side’s opener against England.
New Zealand will still be reeling from their 2015 loss to Australia in the final and have chosen an experienced squad to go one better in 2019, including Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor and Tim Southee.
There are reasons to be optimistic about Pakistan, who are more renowned for T20s where they have been the No. 1 team for over a year now. A big series from Babar Azam is critical, leading his side to a warm-up win over Afghanistan with 112 and averaging 52.44 this year.
Predictions
Winner – England @ $3.00
Most tournament runs – Virat Kohli @ $8.00
Most tournament wickets - Jofra Archer @ $14.00
