With the World Cup 2019 is fast-approaching, everyone seems to be busy picking their leading contenders to win the mega event.
Recently, former England pacer Steve Harmison singled out his favourites for the showpiece event, scheduled to be held in the United Kingdom. Harmison, who has represented his country in 63 Tests and 58 ODIs, reckons hosts England and defending champions Australia are firm favourites to lift the coveted trophy at the iconic Lord’s.
“Look at how well England have played over the last few years, especially at home. They’re going to need an element of luck, but whoever wins it will,” Harmison told Metro.co.uk.
England cruised into the knockout stages of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 before suffering a heavy defeat in the semi-final against the eventual winners Pakistan.
Harmison believes England have evolved as a team since then and now have a plan B in place.
“When Pakistan beat England in Cardiff, the pitch was difficult. England came unstuck, they didn’t really have a plan B,” he said.
“I think they’ve got more of a plan B now. I think if they play on a pitch like that, England won’t get beat anywhere near as easily as they did two years ago. They were clueless, helpless. But I think it would be different now, they’re a different team now and they’ve learned a lot. So I think that’s why they are favourites. The next ones, for me, would be Australia,” Harmison added.
The Ashes winning fast bowler feels Australia’s pace attack – which includes the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins – sets the Baggy Greens apart from other teams.
“That bowling attack could take some stopping. I think it will come down to a bowling attack that bowls consistently well. That’s where England, in home conditions, and Australia have got the upper hand on most teams. That bowling unit of Starc, Cummins, Pattinson, Richardson, Stanlake – they’ve got the firepower to blow away teams and get good players out,” Harmison concluded.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 starts on May 30 with South Africa taking on England at The Oval.
