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.
The tournament is played in round robin format with all the participating teams playing the other nine teams in the league stage. The format was last followed in 1992 world cup where Pakistan emerged victorious.
Sir Vivian Richards predict the winner
The veteran batsman feels that the current West Indies team reminds him of the West Indies team of 80’s. The veteran of 121 tests and 187 ODIs, further backed West Indies to win the ongoing world cup.
“I can tell you the team that are going to win the world cup this year, they come pretty close to West Indies team i played in. They have got the same physical look. And i can only speak of my West Indies team. We are physically blessed in all various tournaments. But when you look at guys on the field itself, i saw at the Trent Bridge the other day.
The physicality reminds me of Joel Garner, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts. All those things we had in the past. We have some explosive batsman and i think this year these guys are going to create their own legacy. What i saw at Trent Bridge against Pakistan, i believe they can go all the way,” Richards told India Today.
West Indies started their world cup campaign with a resounding win over Pakistan by 7 wickets. They will face an uphill challenge from Australia on June 6.
