May 2019
The cricket World Cup returns to England after 20 years. So much has changed about the game in these 2 decades. For one, England enter a tournament as most people’s favourites which has never happened in any of the past World Cups. The spiritual home of the game is no longer Ol’ Blighty but the Indian subcontinent. The explosion of ODI and IPL and a refreshing brand of cricket that India play has meant India have become the bulwark team of the sport and find home support wherever they go. The game itself has become so fast paced and modern that it no longer resembles that leisurely past time that used to be described as the gentleman’s game.
Coming to this tournament, organizers have felt pruning the number of teams will keep it competitive. There are arguments on both sides but that’s for another day.
With the games starting today, the focus has to be on the games. All the warm ups have been done away with. England obviously start the favourites. Bairstow, Roy and Morgan have all been in terrific form. They have built a good core team with 8-9 strong selections who have been doing consistently. Moeen Ali, Stokes, Woakes have been digging them out of trouble in any situation. The addition of Archer gives them something new. But they will have to watch for injuries.
Australia have done very well recently in the India series and Pakistan series. Return of Smith and Warner and in form means they have the edge on batting. Their bowling seems good on paper but I have doubts on their death overs bowling with Stoinis, Richardson and Zampa all inexperienced.
India as with any tournament start as the emotional favourites. They also have a solid team. Rohit, Dhawan and Kohli are the best top 3 in the world for a few years now. Dhoni is back in form and actually looks sharp in batting. His keeping and acumen have always been mind blowing. The bowling unit of Bumrah, Shami and the spinners look potent. There has been so much talk on the No:4 slot but KL Rahul has done well in the warm ups and is my bet to start in that slot.
Pakistan have a good batting line up and their bowling always looks penetrative. They have a bit of inexperience though and Sarfraz will have to shepherd the team a bit. Afghanistan have looked good recently. They have sharp bowling with world class spinners and a decent batting line up.
Sri Lanka have been struggling and they will suprise themselves if they do very well.
South Africa have some batting concerns and the loss of Steyn before the games is a major bummer. New Zealand look solid and will want to better their previous tournament result. West Indies have it in them to power through oppositions with their talismanic and x-factor players.
All in all it can’t get more exciting. Let the games begin.
THE CRICKET ROUND UP 