Anil Kumble backs Australia to make it to the semi-final of the World Cup 2019
Australia will start their World Cup campaign on June 1 against Afghanistan.
The 10-team World Cup, with its new format, is expected to be fought closely this time. Each team has to play the other once in the league stage before the top four make it to the knockouts. Australia are the defending champions having won the title by defeating New Zealand in the final. But since then they struggled in the 50-over format losing most of the matches only to find their groove in the last couple of months.
Last year, not many would’ve given Australia a chance to go all the way after being whitewashed by England in the five-match series. However, they defeated India in their own backyard and then whitewashed Pakistan in the UAE and are currently on a winning streak of eight matches in the format. Moreover, with Steve Smith and David Warner returning to the set-up soon after serving their bans make them one of the strongest sides in the World Cup.
Even the former India head coach Anil Kumble also feels the same and believes that they can make it to the semi-finals of the tournament.
They’ve always done well at World Cup
Anil Kumble, while speaking to Cricket Next, pointed out that the Men in Yellow have been at the top of their game in the ICC tournaments previously. With Nathan Lyon also included alongside the leggie Adam Zampa, the spin-bowling duo will play a crucial role for them in the middle overs. Having said that, Kumble felt that their bowlers should remain injury free for Australia to go all the way in the World Cup.
“They’ve always done well in the World Cup and they have a good strong squad. They know the conditions in England really well and I think they have the ability to go all the way. Australia have had the success of knowing and being a part of a winning team that certainly is important in a World Cup tournament. They should definitely make it to the semis,” Kumble said while analysing Australia’s 15-man squad.
The Aaron Finch-led side will begin their campaign against Afghanistan on June 1 before which Australia will also play England and Sri Lanka in the warm-up games.
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