ICC World Cup 2019: Australia legend Glenn McGrath picks his favourites

The World Cup is considered as the pinnacle of ODI cricket and teams from around the world work hard to get a proper combination in place. The 2019 edition of the mega event starts on May 30 with the match between hosts England and South Africa at the Kennington Oval in London. The 50-overs tournament will be played in the format that was last used way back in 1992.

While the warm-ups have already gotten underway, the experts and pundits are sharing their perspective on the contenders to win the championship. The latest to enter the bandwagon is Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australian fast bowler. McGrath, popularly known as ‘The Pigeon’, reckons that the Eoin Morgan-led England is the favourites to get its hands on the coveted trophy.

“England, a very good one-day unit. To me, they are the favourites going into this World Cup, so I think they’ll do very well,” McGrath was quoted as saying in ESPNcricinfo.

They have scored some big, big totals

When asked whether it’s the first time he chose the Three Lions as favourites of any tournament, McGrath remarked: “Probably! I can’t remain biased my whole life. You’ve got to go on current form. The England team – the way they go about it, they have impressed me. They have scored some big, big totals. Most teams used to go hard in the first 15 and the last 15, and consolidate in the middle.”

McGrath also feels that India will be a hard team to get over mostly due to the boom of T20 cricket. “But teams like England, India are just going hard the whole 50 overs, and that’s the impact T20 cricket has had. So yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever said ‘England are the team to beat’ or the ‘favourites’,” he mentioned.

Also read- ICC World Cup 2019: Fielding rating of all the ten teams

In the meantime, while praising India and England, McGrath also didn’t count out defending champions Australia who’ve regained the mojo of late. “I didn’t say they were going to win the World Cup though! So they are the favourites and are going to be tough to beat in their own conditions, but fingers crossed, Australia can do well,” he added.

McGrath is impressed by the Australian team’s performances in the last few months, especially in unfavourable conditions, and believes that Aaron Finch & Co. has the potential of progressing to the finals.