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.
Mickey Arthur makes a prediction
Pakistan’s coach Mickey Arthur was not too pleased with the team’s performance after losing to Australia 5-0 in the ODI series. A second tier Pakistani team was no match for the men in yellow as they managed to win their second successive ODI series after thumping India 3-2.
Following the impressive show, Arthur feels Australia can defend their title in England. “I definitely think they are [capable of winning the World Cup]. They’re traveling really well. All the final jigsaw parts are coming together nicely. Australia looks a very, very good side They will be a threat at the World Cup … I think there’s up to seven teams that can win the World Cup,” Arthur was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
Arthur further said that the return of David Warner and Steve Smith will strengthen the team and well rested Patt Cummins with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc looks a more than formidable unit to win the title yet again.
