The 2019 ICC World Cup is set to be hosted by England and Wales from May 30 to July 14.
England will go into the tournament favourites, with the last two winners, Australia and India, claiming the trophy on their home soil. After failing to reach the knockout stages in 2015, Eoin Morgan’s side will be keen to avenge that performance. If you believe they can, make sure to place a bet with a bet365.
England have proven their ability to hit massive scores in recent times, breezing into the mid 300s. Teams they have defeated at home in the last 18 months include Pakistan, Ireland, India, Australia and West Indies.
Led by opener batsmen Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, the duo has helped launch the sides massive score totals with electrifying starts. Morgan’s leadership cannot be understated, who can also hit massive scores with the bat and commands the field as well as any.
“Every captain sitting here would lose their left leg to play in a World Cup final at the home of cricket,” Morgan told Hindustan Times.
“It’s something every one of us would have dreamed of as a kid. We are as best prepared as we can be. We just want to play that first game now,” Morgan added.
Throw in the X-factor of young pace bowler Jofra Archer and you have the makings of a side with practically no weaknesses.
India press their own strong case to lift the trophy in the middle of July.
They are phenomenally led with the both the bat and ball, boasting one of the fiercest attacks ever seen. Sometimes criticized for relying too heavily on their top three batsman – Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, they can hit some massive scores when the trio are on.
On the other side, they are led by the world’s number one bowler – Jasprit Bumrah, with supporting attack from Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar plus the craft of spinners Kuldeep Yadav and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
Like England, there is basically no holes in this side and will be very tough to beat on their day.
Australia should never be counted out despite going through somewhat of a transitional period over the last year.
Boosted by the returns of Steve Smith and David Warner, who are coming off strong IPL campaigns, this team has the potential to really come together. Despite going into the tournament as the fifth-ranked ODI side, their depth and talent is as good as anyone’s.
If the likes of Usman Khawaja, Aaron Finch, Smith and Warner have a good series and Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc restrict the anticipated big batting totals, they could be a force. Not to mention the edge Nathan Lyon can provide if the pitch turns.
Australia will head to England under duress and might receive a not-so-friendly welcoming from the rival crowd. But they are out to defend their title.