ICC World Cup 2019 Preview
Where did the last four years go? It seemed like only yesterday when a mustachioed Mitchell Johnson demolished New Zealand in front of over 90,000 rowdy Australians in the 2015 final. The World Cup trophy moves over to the other side of the world, with the UK hosting its first 50 over World Cup in 20 years.
Poor weather across much of the British Isles in May has left many fans concerned about the potential of many of the 48 matches being lost to rain, and with two no-results in the 2017 Champions Trophy at a similar time of year, many-a cricket fan will be praying that the English summer pulls its weight in delivering what could be one of the most open World Cups this century.
It’s also back to the 1990s as far as the tournament format is concerned: the associate nations have been cruelly dispensed with, and a round-robin group stage used for the first time since 1992. All ten teams will play one another once, with the top four in the table progressing to the semi-finals. While it means less diversity and fewer opportunities for fringe nations to swim with the big fish, this new (or old?) format is more likely to reward consistency, fitness and depth, rather than good teams being punished by poor luck or umpiring, inclement weather, and/or a single day off the boil.
England enter a World Cup as the ICC’s #1 ranked nation for the first time since 1987, but only three of the last eight tournaments since then have seen the #1 side in the world at the time claim the trophy. However, after waiting 15 years (from 1996 to 2011) for a host nation to claim a World Cup, we have since had two on the trot, and England look primed to become the third in a row on that count.
Yet how will their squad perform under such mammoth expectations at home? India no longer look invincible by any stretch of the imagination, while Australia have enjoyed a superb six months of preparation leading into the tournament. One could make a case for as many as seven of the ten competitors, with even the likes of New Zealand and Pakistan capable if they can get on a good run.
Record scores are widely expected throughout the tournament, with the likes of Nottingham, Bristol, Leeds and Southampton all averaging over 265 runs per innings (both first and second) since the 2015 World Cup. Many pairs of eyes will be focused on Trent Bridge (Nottingham) in particular, which saw two scores in excess of 400 in the recent domestic One Day Cup in addition to England’s 481 and 444 in recent years.
Here we take a look at the ten participating nations, with thoughts on each squad’s chances as well as the players to keep an eye on over the next six-and-a-half weeks. Of course, if you can’t watch the action live, Flashscore has got you covered with live ball-by-ball commentary and analysis of every match, from warm-ups to the final at Lord’s on July 14. Even if you can catch it on TV, keep our app open on your device of choice for a unique and fun perspective on all the action!
AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan’s atmospheric rise through the ranks of world cricket sees them qualifying for a second World Cup in just their second decade of existence, at the expense of World Cup regulars who have missed a World Cup for the first time since gaining ICC membership in the early 1980s.
Big outsiders to lift the trophy, Afghanistan nonetheless possess one of the most devastating opening pairs on their day in Mohammad Shahzad (ODI average of 42.18 in the UK/Ireland) and Hazratullah Zazai, who carries an incredible T20I strike rate of 192.85 into his blossoming ODI career. The latter burst onto the international scene with an unbeaten 162 from just 62 balls in a recent T20I against Ireland in India.
Semi-finals are almost surely a stretch too far, as they would likely have to win at least five matches. That said, they’re more than capable of defeating any opposition having a bad day, as proven by victories over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Windies as well as a tie with India, all within the last 15 months!
Proven performer: Rashid Khan, the fastest man to 100 wickets in ODI history. He didn’t have his typical devastating effect with the ball in this year’s IPL, but still registered the best economy rate of any regular bowler (6.28 rpo). His already impressive career ODI economy rate of 3.91 drops further to 3.49 in the UK/Ireland.
Under the radar: One wouldn’t guess it just by looking at him, but Najibullah Zadran can be a devastating six hitter when in the zone, recently registering five maximums in an unbeaten century against Ireland batting at seven. He has since moved up the order, and deservedly so, having compiled over 500 runs at a strike rate of 96.38 since the beginning of 2018 (average 46.00).
Young gun: Mujeeb Ur Rahman loves the big stage, and after collecting a joint-leading 17 wickets in last year’s Qualifier in Zimbabwe (at a rate of just 3.58rpo), has since been handed down a brutal reality check in the most recent IPL, going for ten per over across his five matches.
Prediction: Group stage
AUSTRALIA
When can Australia ever be discounted in an ICC tournament? A tumultuous twelve months are well behind them, with coach Justin Langer seemingly on the way to replicating his success with Perth Scorchers on the international stage.
They possess a very conservative top six, with the likes of Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja and Marcus Stoinis susceptible to slow starts. The high totals expected on some batting-friendly decks will demand aggression from the outset. For this reason, both Peter Handscomb and Ashton Turner have been very unlucky to miss the cut.
They look to be peaking in time for a World Cup - what’s new? Eight ODI wins in a row, without arguably their two finest batsmen in Steve Smith and David Warner. Both returnees look in prime form and by all reports have reintegrated with the squad flawlessly. They boast a squad of big stage players. However, England embarrassed them at home last summer, with the Aussies managing to post 250+ only twice in five games. The top order are horribly susceptible to early swing, while they have lost one of their most effective swing bowlers to injury.
Proven performer: David Warner. Being relieved of the burden of leadership responsibilities must have hurt, but it appears to have helped his batting game: he waltzed his way to the IPL’s ‘Orange Cap’ despite missing nearly one-third of the tournament, and looks even better than the David Warner who amassed 345 runs (Avg 49.29, SR 120.21) in the 2015 World Cup.
Under the radar: Shaun Marsh. Continues to be unfairly maligned despite being the team’s most consistent and reliable batsman of the past year: he has matched Aaron Finch’s 850-run output in three fewer innings in that time, while top scoring for Australia in their June 2018 tour of the UK.
Young gun: Australia have the oldest squad by way of average age (31.2) by a considerable margin. Their youngest member, Pat Cummins (26), has 48 ODIs to his name! He enters the tournament in handy form, having collected 17 wickets in his last five ODIs as well as five in two unofficial practice matches against NZ.
Prediction: Semi-finalists
BANGLADESH
When Bangladesh defeated India in the 2007 World Cup, it was a shock to many. Should they beat any of the top sides in the 2019 edition, it will not be such a surprise. Such is the extent of their improvement that their extremely passionate fans are rooting for a second consecutive knockout appearance.
It won’t be easy though, even if they do arrive after winning the Ireland tri-series, also involving the Windies. Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan remain the fulcrum of their hopes and their top-three highest run scorers. The lower-order batsmen and the bowlers have shown in Ireland that they can be a handful, but the lack of a genuine wicket-taking spinner is sure to haunt them.
Realistically speaking, Bangladesh will be aiming for three wins at least – over Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Windies. Any more will be a bonus for them and a potential spanner in the works for the top sides.
Proven performer: With 5,717 runs (Avg. 35.73) and 249 wickets (ER 4.44), Shakib Al Hasan remains Bangladesh’s second-highest run scorer and wicket taker in ODIs. Keeping him fit will be the top priority for support staff.
Under the radar: Playing in the big shadows of Bangladesh’s top-three ODI scorers, Mahmudullah (3,757 runs, Avg. 34.15) hasn’t often received the plaudits. His ability to shift gears could come in handy however, as does his ability to accumulate runs if required.
Young gun: Just 46 ODIs old and playing his first World Cup, left-arm pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman (83 wickets, ER 4.88) is ready to take the mantle of leading bowler from his ageing captain Mashrafe Mortaza. His cutters have troubled quite a few top batters and provided he stays fit, Bangladesh could be a force to be reckoned with.
Prediction: Group stage
ENGLAND
The hosts go into a home World Cup as thoroughly deserved favourites, having ticked all the boxes throughout the last three years. They have now held the ICC’s number one ranking for a full year, have remained unbeaten in 12 consecutive bilateral ODI series of two games or more, and have lost only four of 34 completed home ODIs (W29, T1) since the beginning of the 2016 summer.
The aforementioned numbers suggest even better performances than the lead-up form enjoyed by Australia in the two years prior to the 2015 WC (they won 59% of their ODIs in that time), India before 2011 (55%) and Australia before 2007 (64%). They have proven themselves dangerous when either setting a total or chasing, having successfully run down totals of over 350 twice this year - remarkable given it has happened on only six occasions since the last World Cup.
The favourites have themselves all the key components of a World Cup winning side: top and middle order batsmen who can accelerate an innings at the drop of a hat, effective seam and swing movement, express pace, and world-class spinners. Most encouragingly of all, there are no banana skins named Ireland or Scotland this time around!
Proven performer: Jonny Bairstow demolished the best bowling attacks the IPL could offer, racking up nearly 450 runs from ten knocks at a blistering pace of 157 runs per 100 balls. Perhaps most incredibly, he did so with just 18 sixes, proving it’s not just about clearing the fence!
Under the radar: Ben Stokes is no longer a focal point of the England XI in part due to some mediocre form with the ball over the past 12 months, having found only five wickets in 16 ODIs as well as getting clattered all over the park in the 2019 IPL. However, he remains steady with the bat for England, posting four 50s in his last 11 innings (Avg 50.63, SR 86.91).
Young gun: Tom Curran, the junior of the 15 by a good three years. He can rescue a game with both bat and ball, as was most recently demonstrated in the away victory over Ireland, and with 15 wickets from just eight ODIs in the past year, has a knack of finding a breakthrough.
Prediction: Finalist
INDIA
The lasting image for every Indian cricket fan is that of Kapil Dev lifting the 1983 World Cup. That changed the contours of the sport in India, and 2019 is supposed to begin a new chapter. The ‘Men in Blue’ have won 65.12% of ODIs they have played since the 2015 World Cup (56 of 86) and are probably the second-best feared batting unit behind England.
A top three consisting of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is surely the envy of every opponent, as is the advantage of the wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav (ER 4.93, Avg. 21.74) and Yuzvendra Chahal (ER 4.89, Avg. 24.61) controlling the middle overs! Notwithstanding their series capitulation against Australia, India are right up there among the favourites.
It will be a huge disappointment to the legions of fans back home if they don’t make it to the last four. Anything from there will depend on how well India can solve their number-four dilemma and the middle-order batting issues.
Proven performer: Arguably the best ODI batsman at the moment, Virat Kohli is in prime form. His numbers are already mind-boggling and his career average of 59.57 shoots up to 78.29 in 69 ODIs since the 2015 World Cup. He has 19x100s and 16x50s during this time, a rate of one 50+ score every alternate game!
Under the radar: A gifted hitter, Hardik Pandya (SR 191.42 in IPL 2019) is vital for India’s balance with his all-round abilities. And, flying under the radar might just suit him, as he vies to be India’s X-factor.
Young gun: Perhaps strange to pick him here, because 25-year-old Jasprit Bumrah is the ICC’s number one ODI bowler and has 185 wickets in all formats since his debut in 2016. He was in cracking form in the 2019 IPL (19 wickets, ER 6.63) and will be Kohli’s go-to-man in the UK.
Prediction: Semi-finalists
NEW ZEALAND
Runner-up in 2015 and losing semi-finalists in six other editions, New Zealand (NZ) are probably the most consistent World Cup performer. However, just like their team composition, the Kiwis are not flamboyant picks to lift the trophy in any edition, and neither this time.
Captain Kane Williamson remains their most recognisable batsman, but make no mistake this is one of the strongest ‘Black Cap’ squads in many years. NZ have run England close, thumped most sides at home and are happy with the ‘underdogs’ tag. Furthermore, they have the bowling duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, who are arguably the best swing bowling exponents of their generation.
Nevertheless, with strong opponents vying for the top-four positions, NZ might find it tough to break the syndicate. They are probably fighting for one semi-final spot with Pakistan and South Africa, and could be set for some heartache.
Proven performer: Ross Talyor, the top run-getter for NZ in ODIs (8,026 runs, Avg. 48.34). He has shown exceptional form since the 2015 World Cup, with his average over 60 ODIs during this period shooting up to 68.18, with 8x100s and 17x50s.
Under the radar: Like a traditional ‘Black Cap’ cricketer, Henry Nicholls (1,029 runs, SR 85.04) has flown under the radar over the past couple of years. He can be the glue that the Kiwis need, just in case their captain flops.
Young gun: Figures of 39 wickets in 30 ODIs does not inspire much confidence, but leg-spinner Ish Sodhi can be that X-factor for NZ. With the pitches going to be batting paradises, the role of a wrist spinner becomes more prominent and so does Sodhi.
Prediction: Tight battle to make semi-finals.
PAKISTAN
Predicting what Pakistan can do in a cricket tournament is more hazardous than predicting the English weather! Their performances in the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of England suggested as much, but writing Pakistan off comes at its own peril.
The opening duo of Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq have so far aggregated 1,269 runs (Avg. 57.68) in 24 ODIs together. No longer is opening an Achilles heel for Pakistan, but the inconsistency of middle-order batting remains a concern. So does the team’s fielding which was woeful at times in the series defeat to England, while captain Sarfaraz Ahmed really needs to exhibit better tactics if he wants his team to be challenging for the title.
Contrary to popular perception, Pakistan bowling lacks teeth and sorely misses a genuine leader to guide 19-year-olds Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain. That in part could explain why they recalled Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz to their final 15. On current form, they are outsiders to get into the last four, but Pakistan have always managed to lift themselves in long tournaments.
Proven performer: Babar Azam (2,739 career runs, Avg. 51.68) is Mr. Dependable at number three for Pakistan in ODIs. He loves leading from the front and has 9x100s and 12x50s to his name, and most of those were eye-catching. If he continues to keep scoring runs, Pakistan will have one less worry.
Under the radar: A former navy sailor and one who loves pummelling bowlers to submission, Fakhar Zaman (1,642 ODI runs @ SR 98.15) can be a dangerous customer. Just ask Bumrah whose front-foot no-ball in the 2017 Champions Trophy final saw a match-winning hundred from Zaman.
Young gun: Often the ridicule on social media for being the chief selector’s nephew, Imam-ul-Haq has time and time again proven his worth to the Pakistani ODI side (Avg. 57.79 in 28 ODIs). The 23-year-old would be eager to continue his form from the England series (234 runs).
Prediction: Possible semi-finalist.
SOUTH AFRICA
Is this finally the year that the Proteas shake off that ‘choker’ tag, or is it branded permanently to their collective skin? Ottis Gibson has led South Africa to six series wins out of eight in his 18 or so months in charge, including in Australia, and he’s got a strong squad playing some entertaining cricket.
The role of match winner once occupied by AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel has since been filled by Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada, who both have a knack for lifting their game as the pressure builds.
However, depth and scoring power are serious concerns: David Miller and Dale Steyn appear to be shadows of their former selves, Rassie van der Dussen is more suited to the shorter format, and the English pitches aren’t likely to help Imran Tahir in his Proteas swansong. None of the eight South African batsmen to have registered 300 or more ODI runs in the last two years of ODI cricket have done it a run a ball or faster.
Furthermore, should they manage to claw their way into the semi-finals, they’ll need to avoid a tenth consecutive defeat in an ICC knockout game to progress any further.
Proven performer: Quinton de Kock has been the heaviest and the quickest scorer in the ODI format since 2017, averaging over 51 at a strike rate of nearly 98 in his last 24 innings. That includes a team-leading collection of ten 50+ scores. Some serious numbers.
Under the radar: Rassie van der Dussen thrives in the 20-over game, but in fairness does approach the tournament in immense form, having recently compiled 318 runs in his last six innings (Avg 106.00, SR 189.28) of South Africa’s most recent T20 competition.
Young gun: Kagiso Rabada. Like Bumrah, it doesn’t feel right classifying him in this category given he has been a Proteas regular in all three formats for nearly four years now. Ranked second in the IPL’s ‘Purple Cap’ competition despite making only 12 appearances, while also averaging nearly one maiden over per game in the last two years of ODI competition.
Prediction: Group stage
SRI LANKA
A mostly new-look Sri Lankan squad fly to the UK as one of the rank outsiders, and appropriately so, given they have won just 11 of 45 completed ODIs since the last World Cup, including more recently having been clean swept in New Zealand and South Africa.
Their preparation, similarly to 2015, has been disrupted both by a forced (injuries) and unforced high rate of turnover in the squad, with the omissions of both Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella raising many eyebrows, particularly when the included Milinda Siriwardana and Jeffrey Vandersay have not been part of the setup for the best part of 18 months.
Experience is a considerable worry, in addition to dreadful results: only half of the 15-man squad have either played 50 ODIs and/or were part of the 2015 squad which managed four wins with the likes of Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan as impact players. Who are the match winners in this squad?
Proven performer: Lahiru Thirimanne hasn’t represented Sri Lanka in the 50-over game since December 2017, but relishes a challenge. He batted superbly in the 2015 World Cup, one of 22 batsmen to find at least 300 runs in that tournament. He compiled four half-centuries in his last ten ODI digs of 2017.
Under the radar: Isuru Udana lit up the recent South African tour with some gobsmacking power hitting, scoring at a strike rate of nearly 130 in six limited overs innings, and came agonisingly close to single-handedly winning a match on at least two occasions.
Young gun: Avishka Fernando found himself in Sri Lanka’s ODI setup before even having played a single first-class or List A game after some eye-catching performances at underage level, which included a 95 in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. While yet to transfer such numbers to the ODI stage, he has since forged over 1,000 List A runs at an average of 46 and strike rate of 97.
Prediction: Group stage
WINDIES
Forget the fact that their slide from their perch atop the cricketing ladder looks eternal, forget the fact that their players are still swayed by the riches of T20 leagues, the Windies still bring a sense of fresh air and renewed hope to their 2019 World Cup campaign.
Having had to come through the ICC qualifiers, the Windies don’t exactly inspire confidence. Yet as England encountered on their recent visit to the Caribbean, this side can surprise. With players like Shai Hope (2,247 career runs @ Avg. 51.06) in their ranks, the Windies will hope to maximize the presence of T20 stalwarts Chris Gayle and Andre Russell.
To expect the Windies to reach the semis, let alone win the tournament, is wishful thinking. Their bowling looks threadbare, not least the absence of a genuine spinner – with due regards to Ashley Nurse and Fabian Allen. Like their captain Jason Holder recently stated, the Windies will look to use the tournament to settle old scores with sides like Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Proven performer: ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle (10,096 runs @ Avg. 38.38) is making his final ODI appearances. Scoring the 253 runs needed to overtake Brian Lara and become the highest run-scorer for Windies is an added incentive.
Under the radar: With 1,574 runs (Avg. 26.23) and 121 wickets (ER 5.54) in 95 ODIs, Jason Holder hasn’t really shown his true potential for the Windies. With nothing much to lose, he might plan a grand farewell for Gayle.
Young gun: Already a World Cup winner when captaining the Windies U19 side in 2015/16, Shimron Hetmyer (SR 110.30 in 25 ODIs) mixes Caribbean flair with youthful exuberance. If he can control his instincts and plan a long innings, Hetmyer could be a nightmare for the bowlers.
Prediction: Group stage
If the pitches dished out in the England vs Pakistan series are any indicator, we are in for a batting treat over the next 48 matches. Like the English pace bowler Mark Wood remarked, 500 might not be out of reach!
The ICC could tweak the pitches to bring a little more semblance to the contests, but teams will have to plan their bowling resources judiciously. Those sides with better balance (more batsmen who can bowl, more bowlers who can bat or more genuine all-rounders) will have the edge.
Middle-over management (read: wrist spinners and wicket-taking pacers) will be watched closely and so will be the ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over. England, India and probably Australia will feel confident of their chances at this moment before the first ball is bowled.
However, if history has taught us anything, it’s that it isn’t over until the fat lady sings. Be it India (1983), Australia (1987) or Pakistan (1992), the underdogs have always kept the tournament interesting. Barring the Australians, no side that has started as favourites has gone on to win the title. With hosts England starting as the bookies’ favourite, it isn’t an exaggeration to say that this format of round robin-cum-knock out offers a chance for every other side to trip them up.
Get ready for some enthralling action as some of the biggest names in World Cricket descend on England & Wales starting from May 30 until July 14. Flashscore will be there, covering every ball and every bit of the action live, right to your desk or phone. And, just like you, we can’t wait for the action to begin!
Written by Aaron Murphy and Sridhar Bhamidi.
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