ICC World Cup 2019: Former Aussie Speedster Glenn McGrath Picks His Favourites for the Marquee Event

The ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales is only a few days away, and the participating teams are on their final leg of preparations. They are playing the warm-up games to fix their combinations ahead of the tournament which begins on May 30. Ahead of the curtain-raiser, the former cricketers and pundits are on a spree to pick their favourites, and former Australia cricketer Glenn McGrath is the latest addition to the bandwagon.

Mcgrath reveals his favourites

Meanwhile, the next seven weeks will see an evenly-contested tournament with all the teams bearing the capability of beating the other on any given day. England and South Africa will play the opener on May 30 at the Oval while the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the final on July 14. Known for his impeccable line and length, Glenn McGrath has picked host England as his favourites for the showpiece event. Eoin Morgan & Co’s recent success in the format which made the legendary bowler back England as the team to beat.

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“England, a very good one-day unit,” McGrath told ESPNcricinfo recently during his trip to India. “To me, they are the favourites going into this World Cup, so I think they’ll do very well,” he added.

India and Australia, Glenn McGrath said, were the other definite contenders based on the form and history. Virat Kohli & Co will enter the tournament as the second-ranked ODI side who have done significantly well in the recent past. Although their recent snubbing against Australia has raised doubts over the Indian team. But McGrath backed them along with the Aussies who have picked late and are looking well in to defend their title. Besides, the addition of David Warner and Steven Smith have strengthened their side as well. South Africa and Windies can also stun other teams feels Glenn McGrath.

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“The two standouts to me were India and England, with fingers crossed, Australia doing well. South Africa are always a good team, West Indies are bit of a dark horse – they can play really well or badly, probably similar to Pakistan. So it’s going to be an interesting World Cup. England and India are tough to beat, but with Australia’s form, I think we’ll see them make the final,” McGrath concluded.

Australia will begin their World Cup campaign on June 1 against Afghanistan while India play their opener against South Africa on June 5.