The cricket world cup started with hosts England thumping South Africa in world cup opener with a massive margin of 104 runs to start their world cup campaign on a high. The world cup got underway on May 30 and will conclude on July 14, with the finals at the iconic Lord’s in London.
England are the firm favourites to lift the trophy, however some experts claim India to be a force to reckon with alongside Australia who are high in confidence after pipping India 3-2 in India and clean sweeping Pakistan 5-0 in United Arab Emirates(UAE). The returning Steve Smith and David Warner will add more strength to the team.
Ravichandran Ashwin predicts the finalists of the world cup
The senior off-spinner from Chennai plied his trade for Kings XI Punjab in the recently concluded season of IPL and picked 14 wickets in 15 matches. He was unable to find a place in India’s world cup squad but continues to be an integral part of India’s test setup.
Meanwhile, the veteran of 65 tests and 111 ODIs has predicted the finalists of 2019 world cup and opined that hosts England will challenge India in the summit clash.
“Looking at them from a long shot, the balance India has got in terms of pace, spin and the batting prowess, I think India are the favourites. Looking at the other teams, I think India and England will play in the final. That is my prediction,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by Times Now.
The 32-year-old further praised the Indian batting line-up which boasts of a formidable looking top three with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. Ashwin said the way Virat faces his innings and the firepower of Rohit Sharma, makes them the best batsmen in the world.
Ashwin commented that all-rounder Hardik Pandya has emerged as a great player. He further praised MS Dhoni who has a soothing effect in India’s middle order.
R. Ashwin finalists
India and England
