Top Five ODI Teams Who Can Challenge England in 2019 World Cup

If the World Cup were to start tomorrow, England would walk in as clear favourites. However, one-year time is a long period, and things can quickly change in any sport.

However, England has turned the tables after their ignominious World Cup exit of the 2015 edition. Eoin Morgan-led side had played some fearless cricket after that. Thus, the English team has reaped fruits for their aggressive brand of cricket.

Furthermore, England will be playing in their conditions which makes them favourite if they can carry on with their prolific form.

Thus, we take a look at the top five ODI teams who can give a run for the money to the England side in the upcoming World Cup in 2019.

Here are the five challengers.

5. Australia

Australia might be in the rebuilding phase of their cricket. In fact, the Aussies are in the worse form of their cricketing folklore.

However, you can not rule out an Australian team from any major ICC event. They are the defending champions, and they know how to raise their game in the pivotal tournaments.

Furthermore, the ban on Steven Smith and David Warner will also get uplifted before the World Cup in England. Consequently, these two linchpins should straight away walk into the Australian side.

Thus, Australia will receive a shot in the arm before the coveted tournament. Australia will look to turn the corner in the upcoming World Cup.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand has always shown the skills of punching above their weight. The Kiwis have a settled squad, and they possess some good all-rounders who can change the course of the match.

Furthermore, they have a great leader in Kane Williamson who is also one of world’s finest batsman.

The Blackcaps had reached the finals of the previous World Cup. Thus, the runners-up will like to go one step further in the upcoming edition.

New Zealand is yet to savour success at the World Cup history, and thus they would like to come up good in the England conditions.

3. Pakistan

Pakistan always has the bowlers to upset the big teams in the World Cup. In fact, it is well said, the batsmen win you games while bowlers win you the tournament.

In fact, Pakistan current bowling battery is also promising. The likes of Hashan Ali and Mohammad Amir have come through the ranks to deliver the goods for their team.

Meanwhile, Pakistan had also won the Champions Trophy in the English conditions in 2017. Thus, that winning experience will give them the confidence to do well in England. Therefore, Men in Green will like to go all the way in the next edition of the ODI carnival of 2019.

2. South Africa

South Africa’s record in the major ICC events has been disappointing. They have been given the tag of chokers in the major ICC events. However, they would like to prove their mettle in the English conditions.

In fact, South Africa will be without the services of their talisman batsman AB de Villiers who surprisingly called it a day from the International arena. Thus, it would be a steep road ahead for the Proteas.

However, Faf du Plessis has a strong side, and they would like to deliver the goods this time around. They had to receive a painful exit in the semifinal of the previous World Cup. Thus, they will prefer to get rid off their chokers tag.

1. India

India is playing some tremendous limited-overs cricket. However, their upcoming England tour will be imperative for their World Cup success.

Thus, the Virat Kohli-led team will be determined to tick the right boxes ahead of the ODI showpiece.

India has found a great combination, and they would like to come up roses. The wrist spinners duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal has been instrumental in the success of the team. They would hope for a complete performance in the upcoming World Cup.

India is currently on the second place in the ODI rankings, and they are hot on the heels of England.

Furthermore, the Indian team has a sorted out batting-order except for the number four position. Moreover, India’s fast bowling battery has also shown an upward spike in their improvement graph.