ICC World Cup 2019: Danny Morrison Backs New Zealand, Pakistan to Challenge Australia, India, England

Former New Zealand fast bowler Danny Morrison has backed New Zealand and Pakistan to challenge favourites Australia, India and England. New Zealand is always known to punch above their weights and they were the runners up of the previous edition. On the other hand, Pakistan can beat any team on their given day.

On the other hand, hosts England and India will begin the tournament as red-hot favourites. Both teams have been consistent in the last four years and they have been relentless. England will have the home advantage and they will like to savour World Cup success for the first time.

Meanwhile, Australia has the experience of winning big matches and they will like to defend their title. Furthermore, Steven Smith and David Warner are back into the side which strengthens their team.

Danny Morrison told Sportstar, “The big three [England, India and Australia] have the arsenal. Then New Zealand and Pakistan, if their batting and bowling click together. ‘There is no reason why we [New Zealand] should not make the semi-finals. I think that would be the team’s goal right now. ‘The go-to guys are Trent Boult and Tim Southee and we have quite a few bits and pieces cricketers”.

Meanwhile, the spinners are going to play a big role in the World Cup. India has a strong spin battery as Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja are going to hold the key. Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have provided the breakthroughs in the middle overs which has played a big role in India’s success.

‘If the weather is great and the pitches are dry, then the spinners will come in. You would have to say India has the variety with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja,’ Danny Morrison added.

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On the other hand, Kane Williamson believes any result is possible on any given day. Williamson has led with aplomb and he would like to hit the ground running in the World Cup. New Zealand will begin their World Cup preparation with a warm-up match against India.

Kane Williamson, ‘There are a few guys in the squad from the last World Cup which is great. ‘But four years in between means there are a lot of new players.

‘There has been a of talk about rankings, favourites, underdogs but what stands out is how balanced it is. Which means anything can happen on the day which is so exciting.’

India and England will begin the tournament as favourites and they would like to bring their best to the table. Virat Kohli‘s men will begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5th at Southampton.