Former England cricketer Rob key on Friday (January 11) picked India, England and New Zealand as the red-hot favorite contenders for the upcoming 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup to be played in May.

While England has won 41 matches from their 54 One-Day Internationals and deemed as the favorite by many for the maiden prestigious World Cup title on home soil this summer, Key feels Virat Kohli-led Indian Cricket Team, which are placed at No.2 in the ODI rankings has also high chances to win the title.

However, the Englishman has showered high praise on Kane Williamson-led New Zealand side, saying they are not far behind India and New Zealand and they can beat anyone on their day, calling them an excellent side who also has great chances to lift the World Cup in England this time.

He doesn’t pick the defending champions Australia in his list who defeated the Black Caps in the final to win the World Cup for the fifth time in 2015 and didn’t commented on the side.

Key told Sky Sports, “You will never go into a World Cup where someone isn’t tipping up New Zealand as an outside chance. This time they will be behind England and India in the betting but not far behind.”

On the Black Caps, the English coach added, “We always say that they punch above their weight, yet we always tip them to do well and they have some top players – Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Tim Southee, Trent Boult. They are an excellent side in their own right. If they have a day out, they can beat England, India anyone.”

Key signed off by saying, “They have been a strong outfit for a long time in one-day cricket and are a side you are always wary of, no matter how good your form may be. ‘Brendon McCullum captained brilliantly and Williamson is following suit.”

(With Sky Sports Inputs)