James Anderson Says England Will Beat India In ICC World Cup 2023 Final; Predicts His Semi-Finalists

The 41-year-old England National Cricket Team pacer James Anderson has come up with his predictions for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to be hosted by India from October 5 to November 19.

Ahead of the tournament, several experts have made their predictions for the semi-finalists and two names that have been common in most of the experts list are of Team India and Team England. India being hosts are considered hot favorites to win the title and finally end their ICC trophy drought.

Meanwhile, James Anderson has named England, India, Australia, and South Africa as the four semi-finalists for the ICC World Cup 2023. He said that the summit clash will see the clash between the defending champions and the hosts and the Three Lions will emerge victorious. Speaking to the BBC Test Match Special, he said:

“The semi-finalists will be England, India, Australia and South Africa. I like how South Africa turned it around in their series against Australia. Their batting is strong and they have nice options with the ball. Pakistan will be close, as will New Zealand, but both will miss out. I can see England beating India in a tight final.”

James Anderson’s Fellow Countryman Steven Finn Makes His World Cup Predictions

James Anderson’s fellow countryman Steven Finn also made his predictions for the ICC World Cup 2023 and picked England, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan as the semi-finalists. He highlighted that the last few World Cups have been won by the host nations and backed India to continue the tradition this time around. He elaborated:

“This World Cup is the most open there has been in a long time. The lack of 50-over cricket in the build-up will mean some teams will go in slightly muddled about how they approach this format. The four that will reach the semis are England, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan. They have the most balanced squads.

“The last three World Cups have been won by hosts – India in 2011, Australia in 2015 and England four years ago. With that in mind, India will win it again this year. They have played significantly more one-dayers than anyone else and home support will be a big advantage.”

India’s two warm-up matches against England and Netherlands were washed out due to rain and now the Rohit Sharma-led side will open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8.