Category: Cricket World Cup

Virat Kohli

A mixed bag for Kohli leading into the World Cup. India’s form heading into the competition hasn’t been their finest but on paper, the side is arguably the most dangerous. An amazing 3-2 comeback series win by Australia proved this side had weaknesses and Kohli and co will need to overcome their recent battles to make it deep into the competition. Kohli is the clear favourite to finish the World Cup as the tournaments leading runs scorer (and deserving so) at $8.50, but his form tally will certainly depend on those around him in the top of the order to last out 50 overs. The World’s No.1 batsman will have both the weight and support of 1.3 billion people, and we expect him to deliver.

Jonny Bairstow

Home crowd advantage? Check. Top of the order? Check. Red-hot form? Check. Jonny Bairstow is just the underdog backing you need heading into the World Cup. A standout 128 runs from 93 balls in a high-scoring victory over Pakistan in Bristol is certainly hard to ignore coming into the competition. We’re expecting Bairstow to lift his 47.53 batting average by the end of the tournament and likely place himself on the podium for the top runners table. Bairstow sits as a second-overall favourite with a value of $10 to take out the honours. If he’s your man, be sure to use pointsbet 2019 for the best odds for the big hitter!

Kane Williamson

The 2019 World Cup will be New Zealand’s first under the reigns of Kane Williamson, and we expect him to lead with bat-in-hand. At a price of $17, Williamson is a top option with value-for-money. Heavily backed to sit atop the Kiwis’ run tally and outscore 2015’s leading runs champion Martin Guptill, Williamson will be expected to last 20-30 overs at the crease, guaranteeing a few half centuries at least.

David Warner

Warner will be one of the most watched batsmen in the competition as he returns from a 12-month ban for the sandpaper ball-tampering incident. While his time at the crease at an international level has stopped, the runs haven’t. Since returning to the Australian side, Warner picked up where he left off with record numbers at the top of Australia’s order as well as an impressive Indian Premier League for the Sunrisers. Expect Warner to start the tournament off with a bang, so jumping on his value at $11 now before it drops might be a smart call.

Jason Roy

Averaging 92.3 runs across his ODI series against Pakistan, Jason Roy is arguably the most in-form batter heading into the World Cup. His runs streak and a home backyard tournament certainly mix well for the 28-year-old who’s priced at $11 to finish as the leading runs scorer. The Three Lions will certainly look to impress at home and finish deep into the competition, and with more games to play, the more time at the crease for Jason Roy.

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.