ICC World Cup 2019: Issues teams need to sort out ahead of the tournament

Pakistan

As they always were, Pakistan are unpredictable. The side has done extremely well in the T20I format but they have been inconsistent in their ODI assignments. One of the side’s major concerns in the World Cup could be its inexperience.

There are a number of talented players in the side but somehow, the Men in Blue have not been able to find the right combination of youth and experience for the 50-over format. The batting order hasn’t looked too solid for the 50-over version while some of their out-of-form bowlers could make it easier for the opponent sides. Do they have a spinner to lead the bowling attack either?

Australia

The defending champions are currently ranked sixth in the ICC list which is quite a low for the five-time title winners. Australia are going through one of their worst phases at the moment as they lost their last seven games and with their top two batsmen – Steve Smith and David Warner – not playing at the moment because of a ban, the team’s batting is looking even more fragile.

The two ace batsmen are likely to feature in Australia’s World Cup squad but the team could still be morally down and strategically in a mess for the big event. Fitness of its bowlers could also be a cause of concern for the Kangaroos even though they have a lot of options to choose from. Their spinners are inexperienced as is the wicket-keeper.