Shaun Pollock Reveals His Favourites To Win ICC World Cup 2019

Former South Africa allrounder Shaun Pollock has revealed his prediction about who can win the much-awaited ICC World Cup 2019 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 each passing day, the excitement for the event is increasing as the cricketing world is busy predicting who can all the way in the tournament. And Pollock feels India and hosts England are the favourites to go all the way in the showpiece event. Pollock, nonetheless, is not the first one to tip India and England as the favourites for the World Cup.  Both England and India have done exceedingly well in the 50-over format in the last two year or so.

England are currently the top-ranked ODI side in the world while India are just below them at the second spot. Since 2018, England won series in Australia and New Zealand before beating Australia and India at home. On the other hand, India have won series in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and at home against Windies in addition to winning the Asia Cup since 2018.

“There are only 10 teams and each team played each other before the semi-finals, but I think there will only be about six teams capable of really competing for the trophy,” Shaun Pollock said.

Pollock said it would be hard for teams like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, West Indies and Sri Lanka to pose serious challenges.

“Australia struggled recently but I believe the return of Steve Smith and David Warner will make a big difference. New Zealand are currently playing good cricket but I do think India and England are the favourites to win the event,” said the legendary allrounder.

On South Africa’s chances in the big event, Pollock said:

“South Africa will believe they can make the semi-finals and from there anything can happen.”