The build to the upcoming cricket world cup has allready started with all the 10 participating teams making sure that they get the right combination before the start of the marquee event. The world cup will get underway from May 30 and will continue till July 14.
England are the firm favourites to lift the trophy, however some experts claim India to be a force to reckon with alongside Pakistan, who will be high in confidence after triumph in 2017 champions trophy in English conditions.
England disappointed in the 2011 and 2015 edition of the world cup where they were eliminated from the group stage owing to defeats against the minnows. The selectors and team management entrusted the young guns to the job after the 2015 world cup and results started reflecting thereafter. The Three Lions are now the top ranked ODI team followed by India at number two.
The men in blue have played consistent cricket from the 2015 world cup and this can be understood by the fact that they have won the most games in ODI cricket since 2015.
Simon Katich makes a prediction
The Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach said that hosts England and India are the frontrunners to win the showpiece event.
“I think it will be a great World Cup. Having it in England will add a different dimension. I think conditions are going to play a big part, given that it is June-July. If it is a hot and dry summer like last year then some Indian spinners and those from other teams will get a look in.” Katich told Hindustan Times.
“India will certainly be up there, they have a well-balanced side. England have been in great ODI form and have players like Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes who can win a match on their own. They have a dynamic batting line up and they bat deep,” he added.
The 43-year-old didn’t rule out Australia to retain their title, especially after the men in yellow thumped India 3-2 in India and then went onto clean sweep Pakistan 5-0 in UAE.
“Can’t underestimate Australia as well and they are hitting their straps at the right time. Expect these teams to be there at the back end of the tournament,” Katich said.
