For the past 13 years I have been addicted to the sport of cricket. Many people don't understand it. You spend a whole day standing in a field chasing a small leather-bound, rock hard ball, or if you're lucky, hitting one, and then have some tea half way through. Many just don't get it.
However, for the first time since 1999, the sport's showpiece event graces the shores of England and Wales, with ten teams vying for the golden trophy and with controversies beginning long ago, there are many sub plots to an intriguing tournament. The format consists of a 10-team Round Robin group stage, including a mammoth 45 games, with the top 4 qualifying for the semi-finals, with the Lord's showpiece final taking place on the 14th July.
In this preview, we'll be taking a look at all ten teams, their star men and some brave predictions, given this sport can throw up any possible result. Beginning with the holders...
AUSTRALIA
Four years ago, the Australians were facing a unique challenge, still reeling from the death of one of their best players in Philip Hughes along with hosting the World Cup themselves, even the most hard-nosed Pom couldn't help but feel happy for the Australians winning another World Cup in the face of such mourning. This time around, they face very different challenges. On the back of "Sandpapergate", culprits Steve Smith and David Warner - arguably Australia's two best players - have just returned from their lengthy bans and while they will undoubtedly cop some stick from the English fans, this couldn't have come at a better time for the Aussies.
Their white ball form in the past year has been dreadful. Including a 5-0 whitewash by England last Summer; the old fearsome Australians seemed to have lost their spark. With no real pace attack, given their main bowlers were injured, and missing their star batsmen, their side was remarkably average. However, under the new captaincy of Aaron Finch, the leadership of former opening batsman Justin Langer, plus the return of their talismanic players, the Aussies are back in business with eight straight victories plus two comfortable warm-up wins.
The Man to Watch: Steve Smith
Despite being banned for a total of nine months for his part in the sandpaper scandal in South Africa, Steve Smith has simply strolled back into the side and picked up from where he left off. There is no doubt he is a classy batsman, and for a man who was dubbed the next Shane Warne a decade ago, he is now considered as part of the "Big Four" batsmen in world cricket. He, along with David Warner, will be pivotal in Australian chances, and he has prepared well and looks in good nick. He will be very difficult to get out.
Prediction: Semi-Finalists (4th in the group stage)
ENGLAND
In 2015, England were in turmoil. They sacked their one-day captain (Alastair Cook), a couple of weeks before the World Cup in Australia & New Zealand, their style of play belonged in 1992 and their side were all at sea, ending in a dismal group stage knockout at the hands of Bangladesh.
These days, their outfit is a completely different kettle of fish. Playing purposefully with no fear, they have propelled themselves to Number One in the world rankings, and with home advantage, are considered the comfortable favourites for this competition. They are the only side to post scores of 400+ on four occasions, with a batting order longer than a Shaoib Akhtar run up, English batsmen are left to their own devices. The destructive nature of Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy opening the batting compliment the creativity of captain Eion Morgan and Jos Buttler and with Joe Root as the cement in the bricks of the England side, this team will be very difficult to beat. With Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali coming in too, opponents will get a man out and be faced with a fearsome man coming in after him.
The bowling attack isn't too shabby either, with the convenient timing of Jofra Archer's eligibility to play for England adding to an already strong bowling attack. Chris Woakes is in good form, Tom Curran's box of tricks will come in very handy at the end of the innings and Adil Rashid is up there as one of the world's best white ball spinners. In home conditions, with the backing of an excited crowd and a team enjoying their cricket, I can't see past an English victory. The only thing stopping them is the expectation, and not having won an ICC trophy since 2010, and never in this format, the pressure is the only thing stopping this side.
The Man to Watch: Jos Buttler
You could choose any one of five or six players to look out for, but none more so than this man. If you're a beginner to the world of cricket, you will marvel at how this man gets the ball to impossible areas of the ground with such apparent ease. The pundits call it "360 degree batsmanship", making it very difficult to set fields to him. That matched with his unique grip, very strong wrists and brute power, the majority of his scores are match-winning, including a very recent 110 off 55 balls against Pakistan. If Bairstow, Roy or Morgan don't get you, this man will.
Prediction: Winners
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa have always been strong and have always been in the conversation when it comes to potential champions, but the perennial tag of "chokers" continues to haunt them like the ghost of W.G. Grace. As a squad, they are as consistent as ever, led by Francois du Plessis, but they seem to be missing a spark. The retirement of AB de Villiers is a big miss but in a tournament where the bowling attacks could be the difference, the pace of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ndidi are hugely important in South Africa's chances. They also have the X-Factor of the ever-exciteable Imran Tahir, retiring from international cricket after this tournament, who has always proved dangerous with his excellent repertoire of variations in his leg-spin. Talisman Dale Steyn is not as effective in the white-ball game as he once was, mainly due to a consistent trail of injuries but the experience in the batting order will be pivotal led by the effervescent Hashim Amla and du Plessis.
The Man to Watch: Quinton de Kock
Don't be fooled by the baby face, this guy can hit a ball, and he can hit it miles. Long considered to be South Africa's best wicket-keeper batsman, and indeed the world, 26-year old Quinton de Kock is a name we will continue to see for a few editions of the World Cup yet. A successful Indian Premier League campaign with the Mumbai Indians has improved his stock once more, and with pressure on opening batsmen to get sides off to a blistering start in what is now a game dominated with the bat, De Kock is the man to watch in Green.
Prediction: Fail to Qualify (5th in the Group Stage)
INDIA
While this tournament could quite literally be won by any one of 5 or 6 teams, India have always got to be considered to be amongst the favourites for any world tournament. Led by the unforgiving yet brilliant Virat Kohli, India's raving population will demand nothing less than another World Cup victory. Their line up oozes class from top to bottom, with similar powers to England, glued together by the captain, who has been labelled as the world's best batsman in the last few years. The pressure on Kohli is immense, with the expectation of a billion people on his shoulders, he will need the cool head of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led India to their last World Cup success in 2011. Other names to look out for are Rohit Sharma, who continues to open the batting with an exceptional record and also Yuzvendra Chahal; India's own leg-spin option that is now a mandatory part of any successful international one-day side. India also have the number one ranked ODI bowler in their ranks. The odd action of Jasprit Bumrah allows him to bowl a lot of variations and he will get a lot of wickets. This may not be India's strongest squad, but their competitive instincts, experience in the latter stages of tournaments and a captain who will not accept anything less than perfection, India have a big chance of success this year.
The Man to Watch: Virat Kohli
Yes, my whole description of Indian chances have resolved around one man, but his record speaks for itself. With 41 One-Day International centuries at an average of almost 60, if India are chasing any total, they are automatically favourites because of this man. His experience and his desire to win at all costs make a big difference and he can be an intimidating presence out in the middle, regardless of what his opponents may say. Kohli LOVES chasing a total. He sees it as a personal challenge, and it's a challenge he often wins, with the majority of his runs coming in chases. If Kohli has a good World Cup, India are up there with England as favourites.
Prediction: Runners-Up
AFGHANISTAN
Rank outsiders they may be, but the rise of Afghan cricket is one of the most inspiring stories in sport of this decade. 34-year old Mohammad Nabi has played against 20 of the 26 current cricket countries actively playing right now, including England and India but also the coveted cricketing nations of Bhutan, Germany and the Italians; not particularly well-known for their cricketing ability. Very quickly, Afghanistan have risen to the highest echelons of world cricket, gaining their well-deserved spot in this World Cup by winning the qualification tournament ahead of the West Indies, (who also qualified). Only the most brave or speculative cricket fan will put any money on an Afghan success, but their very presence in cricket's biggest tournament is a huge boost for the people of Afghanistan, who have suffered a lot of strife with war and political struggles. With odds as long as 500/1, Afghanistan won't be winning this tournament, but they are certainly no mugs and they have the potential to win one or two games, especially against the West Indies and Pakistan who they have already beaten this year.
The Man to Watch: Rashid Khan
20-year old Rashid Khan is one of only two bowlers to appear in the 'Man to Watch' list and with good reason. He is ranked the 3rd best bowler in One Day cricket, and considered to be one of the most dangerous leg-spin bowlers in the world. An excellent IPL with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Khan is the golden boy of Afghan cricket and will cause a lot of problems for a lot of batsmen. He is also handy with the bat, but his most potent weapon is the un-pickable googly, who has got many a good batsman out. With a long career ahead of him, this man will be a force for years to come.
Prediction: Fail to Qualify (10th in the Group Stage)
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka, who have a good record in World Cups, are a team very much in transition having not yet recovered from the retirements of stalwarts, Kumar Sangakarra, Mahela Jayawardene and even Muttiah Muralitharan who retired a full 8 years ago. In a quality line up of sides, Sri Lanka no longer have the consistency needed in their batting to prove much of a danger to the very best sides. Their bowling line-up is also rather one-dimensional and while they still possess the trickery of, "The Slinger" Lasith Malinga, he is 35 years old now, has lost a yard of pace and is not as dangerous as he once was. They also have a new captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, who has been a breath of fresh air in the test match arena, but has yet to proven himself in the white ball game, and looking through their squad, I can't see anyone who really stands out to drag them through a tough round robin group stage. Their only saving grace is that they face the weaker sides first, which could give them the confidence to proceed.
The Man to Watch: Angelo Mathews
Sri Lanka do tend to go through their captains at an alarming rate sometimes, and one such victim was Angelo Mathews who used to captain this side back in 2015. And while he has been involved in a few controversies, he is still a pivotal part of this side who need leadership and experience. The all-rounder was once considered the best all-rounder in world cricket; however he very rarely bowls these days. However, he is a notable presence at Number 5 and still has the potential to make a difference.
Mathews will really need to step up if Sri Lanka are to stand any chance of gaining an unexpected semi-final slot, although a lot of them have experience of getting to the latter stages of major tournaments. I can't see it myself though.
Prediction: Fail to Qualify (9th in the Group Stage)
NEW ZEALAND
The Kiwis have a remarkable habit of performing admirably and consistently in world tournaments, despite never really entering the conversation beforehand. New Zealand have always been known for their commitment, their exceptional ground fielding and their brute power. They also possess a Joe Root style captain in Kane Williamson who is the glue to a batting order who have the ability to take games away from opponents. Colin Munro has a licence to hit the ball as far as he can and Martin Guptill has been a force to be reckoned with for some time now. With Colin de Grandhomme in the middle order along with Ross Taylor, the Kiwis have the experience and the know-how to mount a serious challenge in England and Wales. They also possess something many teams do not, which is an experienced, consistent and quick opening bowling pair in Trent Boult and Matt Henry who have the ability to take early wickets when other teams may not.
The Man to Watch: Martin Guptill
There could be a few stars to watch in this New Zealand side but I have opted for a man who has won many a one-day international for New Zealand. One of a few who have reached the coveted 200 mark in an individual innings, Guptill is now experienced enough to know when to cash in, when in the past, he had a tendency to throw his wicket away in an air of impatience.
Matched with the equally as powerful Colin Munro, New Zealand match England in the opening batting department and while Guptill recovered from a serious injury at the end of last year, he has come back with a vengeance and at 32-years old, this may be his best chance at a World Cup success, after falling at the final hurdle against their close rivals Australia in their own continent in 2015.
Prediction: Semi-Finalists (3rd in the Group Stage)
PAKISTAN
The hit and miss nature of Pakistani cricket continues it's trend into this World Cup, when they were comfortably beaten 4-0 in pre-World Cup series against England, where they were largely outclassed.
They do however possess some fantastic players, not least opening batsman Fakhar Zaman who starred in the Champions Trophy winning side in 2017 in the same location. He will have happy memories of a century in the final against arch-rivals India, and he has the ability, like many others in this tournament, to take the game away from his opponents. But while the instability of Pakistani cricket continues, they can never be touted as genuine contenders in such a large field of sides. Not many people had Pakistan as winners of the last ICC 50-over event, but after they beat England in the semi-finals, they went on to beat India to cause a shock win. They may find confidence, knowing the same squad has been successful on these shores.
Led by wicket-keeper batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed, who epitomises the unpredictable nature of this side, they have the potential to cause another upset, but in this new World Cup structure, I can't see them having the consistency to win enough games to get through.
The Man to Watch: Shadab Khan
The second bowler to appear in the 'Man to Watch' list is another 20-year old leg spinning all-rounder, who caused a lot of problems for England in their recent series and continues to do so to other sides he has faced in his short career to date. In a side of good experience, Shadab could be the X-Factor needed to propel Pakistan to new heights. He is also a good batsman; a classic Asian attacking style and on his day, he could cause mayhem.
Prediction: Fail to Qualify (7th in the Group Stage)
BANGLADESH
Former whipping boys have grown up in the last five years and while Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017, the Bangladeshis reached the semi-finals before succumbing to India, confirming their status as a genuinely good side now. It's been a long road for The Tigers, but test victories against both England and Australia and notable one-day wins means you no longer get an automatic victory against this side.
Although I think they will struggle in early June English conditions, they have a couple of young guns looking to stake a claim on the world stage. Namely, Mustafizur Rahman, the 23-year old fast bowler who made a name for himself on the IPL stage, who has the ability to confuse batsmen with a good set of variations.
They won't be easy opponents, but they still lack the permanent quality to mount a serious World Cup challenge.
The Man to Watch: Shakib Al-Hasan
Once considered to be the best One-Day cricketer in the world, Shakib Al-Hasan has been involved in some local controversies with the administrators of Bangladesh Cricket, but he is still the main power and the rope tying together this side. His years of experience are now invaluable and he will need to provide assistance, experience and a calm head to a bowling line-up that has an average age of 23, (if you take out captain and 35-year old Mortaza). He still has the ability, but does he have the temperament?
Prediction: Fail to Qualify (8th in the Group Stage)
WEST INDIES
I always get the impression that the West Indies side, whoever they may be, don't really give a toss about cricket until it matters. That may sound harsh, and I'm sure it's not the case, but they only just made it to this tournament and you have to wonder why. Once considered to be the powerhouses of international cricket, the West Indies continue to drift along at a Caribbean pace despite a hugely impressive test series victory against England a few months back. However, on the biggest stage of all, they stand a chance of progressing, especially if the Universe Boss fires in his last ever tournament of a glittering career, (see below...)
However, all things considered, I think the relaxed and ever-confident West Indians will fall by the wayside, but only because their bowling line up isn't the best and I can't see anyone else really standing up to be counted if Chris Gayle fails...
The Man to Watch: Chris Gayle
At 39 years old, over 10,000 one day international runs and the record of the amount of sixes in his career, the self-acclaimed Universe Boss retires after this World Cup and you will bet he'll want to leave his mark. For the majority of this century, he has provided sparkling entertainment all around the world and that matched with his likeable and laid-back attitude, he is a name that will be missed in the international arena. In the recent ODI series against England, he obliterated bowling attacks, hitting two centuries in four games and averaging over 100 in the series. He holds the record for the highest score in T20 cricket ever, is one of a few to score 300+ in a test match and has a highest score of 215 in one-day cricket.
Yes, he might be getting on. Yes, he doesn't run between the wickets to the utter frustration of his teammates. But do you leave him out? Do you heck...
Prediction: Fail to Qualify (6th in the Group Stage)
And there we have it. Ten very capable sides, and my predictions are made knowing full well that it will be a miracle if I'm even close. The list of names on show are extensive, and with the one-day game being dominated by batsmen these days, the amount of runs scored will surely be a record. We are in for a brilliant and dramatic tournament, all kicking off on Thursday 30th May as England host South Africa.
See you on the other side!
S
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