Adam Gilchrist finds no reason to write Australia off in World Cup 2019

He still stands as the highest scorer in a World Cup final. In the title clash of the 2007 edition played in Bridgetown, Adam Gilchrist had belted 149 in just 104 balls to bury Sri Lanka and better the record of his captain Ricky Ponting who had pulverized India with a 140 not out in the 2003 final. The 47-year-old is one of those rare cricketers who had won each of the World Cup that he had played (1999, 2003 and 2007) and he is eager to tip Australia on ways to win the trophy for a record sixth time.

The former wicketkeeper-batsman who was known for his explosive opening with Matthew Hayden in the ODIs feels there is no reason to write the defending champions off. According to Gilchrist, Australia might be ranked fifth in the ODI rankings and more talks are on teams like England but the yellow jerseys would be an entirely different outfit when taking the field in the World Cup.

“Australia. Certainly, on paper, they’re as competitive as anyone with the names that are there now and the momentum they built up in the one-day format once they left Australian shores,” Gilchrist was quoted as saying by bdcrictime.com after he was asked about the probable winners this time.

No reason why Australia can’t win another title, says Gilchrist

“Obviously there’s confidence there. I just like what I’m seeing and five out of 12 World Cups have come this way so I can’t see any reason why we can’t win another one,” said the man of the match of the 2007 final.

Australia had a poor run till the home series against India earlier this year as they lost it but in the last couple of months, Aaron Finch’s men have bounced back hard, winning a series against India 3-2 after trailing 0-2 and then crushing Pakistan in an away series 5-0. Finch himself also hit the purple patch on time.

Australia’s eight consecutive wins came without any contribution from Steve Smith and David Warner, the two cricketers who made a comeback to the side following the conclusion of their year-long ban.

“The fact that we won five doesn’t guarantee these guys anything. It’s more just the recent results, the momentum that’s been built up and the names that are on the paper. It’s a very, very strong, well-balanced team,” Gilchrist said.

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