Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian skipper, and cricket pundit, on Friday (15th February), claimed that England has changed its attitude towards One Day International cricket over the years, which makes them the red-hot favorite for the World Cup 2019.
Eoin Morgan led England side has been touted as favorites for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at home, and Gavaskar said they are not a strong favorite because hosting the showpiece event but their current ODI game makes them favorite to lift the title at home.
He also believes that India-led by Virat Kohli can also lift the title in England, saying India can use the factor of experienced players in the upcoming event starting on May 30.
Gavaskar told India Today on Friday, “The strong favorites in the World Cup tournament are England. And it is not because of the fact that it will be a home World Cup for them. But because they have changed their attitude towards ODI cricket.”
He added, “The advantage that India has is they have played in England for two consecutive years – 2017-18. So, the players who will be part of the World Cup squad will be aware of the conditions and hence will be able to use their experience and probably India can use the factor to lift the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Indian great also backed Pakistan and Australia to give a tough competition to the oppositions in the 50-over tournament to be played England and Wales later this year.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Pakistan has always been a formidable side. And the Australian team will look strong with the return of Steve Smith and David Warner. So, these four teams will be in the semifinals. New Zealand are also favorites because conditions in England are almost similar to theirs. So, they can spring a surprise, but they have never gone ahead of semifinals as what I have seen.”
(With India Today Inputs)
