After an embarrassing first-round exit at the 2015 World Cup, England completely overhauled their ODI outfit. Since then, the English side has dominated the 50-over format and has twice set a new record for the highest total in an ODI innings – 444/3 against Pakistan in 2016 and 481/6 against Australia in 2018.
The 12th edition of ICC Cricket World Cup is expected to be high scoring and thus India skipper Virat Kohli feels hosts England could be the first team to cross the barrier of 500 runs in ODIs.
"I was just going to say it really depends on these guys. They seem to be obsessed with getting to 500 before anyone else," said Kohli at the official captains’ media conference while pointing to his English counterpart Eoin Morgan.
Kohli admitted that the quadrennial tournament will see a run-fest but he also believes pressure of playing in a World Cup will make even 260-270 hard to chase.
"It is going to be a high scoring tournament but back home too I said 260-270 will also will be as tough to get in a World Cup as chasing 370-380. I don't see many high scoring games in the latter stages of the tournament, initially some teams might get on a roll but later on you will see 250 defended as well. That is the kind of pressure World Cup brings."
The Indian captain expects the teams to be more cautious as the tournament progresses.
"Not all the teams are going to be in a great position (in the latter half). The ones who have to make sure that they get the result are going to be under pressure to chase even a small total. The fact that you are going to be close to a knock out berth will get you under pressure in the latter stages and all teams recognise that.
"Then you will not see many teams going gung ho from ball one. Generally both teams would like to start in a balanced way and look to capitalise on the moments. So I see pressure being a massive factor in the World Cup."
Answering the same question, Australia skipper Aaron Finch said: "If you see the last couple of years, trajectory of scores has been going up and up in England. We have been at the receiving end of the highest one. I don't want to put a number one it. Hard to tell (what could be the highest-score in the tournament). On small grounds with good pitches, if the top order gets going, the teams are so explosive these days and if they keep going till the end it (the total) could be anything."
While many expect a bagful of runs in the World Cup, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson feels bowlers are bound to come into play at some point.
"We have spoken about the batting but equally important is the bowling. I have no doubt that there will be venues who will be more suited to the bowlers. We will have to find a way to play well in all conditions," Williamson asserted.
(With PTI inputs)
