India, England Are The Favourites For The World Cup: Shane Warne

Ahead of the much-awaited ICC World Cup 2019, legendary spinner Shane Warne has revealed the favourites to win the coveted title in England and Wales.

Hosts England will take on South Africa in the opener on May 30, 2019, at The Oval in London. The tournament will last for 45 days with 48 matches to be played. India will start their campaign against the Proteas on June 5.  The format for the 2019 edition will see 10 best teams in the world going head-to-head in a round-robin format. The tournament will culminate with the fifth final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 14.

With not much time left before the World Cup gets underway, the cricketing world is busy predicting about the teams who can go all the way in the competition. And Warne has also given his opinion on the much-talked about topic.

The former Australia spinner believes India and England are the favourites to win the title. Warne’s comments echo the popular perception in the lead up to the showpiece event. Both India and England have dominated ODIs in recent times. England are currently the top-ranked ODI side in the world while India are at number two.

“India and England are the two favourites. If you look on recent form and who has played really well and who has set the benchmark, it would be these two standout teams. So I think they go in as favourites, having Chahal and Kuldeep who are really good. And that’s what you need; spinners in the middle overs who can take wickets,” Shane Warne told India Today.

Warne, however, did not rule out Australia from the contention to win the title. He believes that Australia’s track record in the tournament makes them a contender for the title.

“But I think when you look at Australia and their record in ICC trophies, we have won the most. Australia always performs well in big tournaments on the big stage. That’s a proven fact. With Warner and Smith coming back they will have a point to prove. They will be determined and hungry to go well. I think David Warner could possibly be the player of the tournament. I really believe he could do well.

They are proven champions. They are current World Cup holders. I think Australia will do really well in this World Cup and could win it as well. So England, India and Australia are my three sides, one of them will win,” he said.