ICC World Cup 2019: Mickey Arthur names the favorites to win the tournament

Australia completed a brilliant whitewash of Pakistan in UAE as they won the last and fifth ODI by 20 runs. Pakistan managed to score just 307 runs in reply to Australia’s 327. This is Australia’s 8th consecutive win against Asian nations in ODIs, as they defeated India in the last three ODIs of their 5-match ODI series in India.

The Australian team was without the services of Steve Smith and David Warner, who after completing their bans, are playing in the ongoing IPL 2019 and are expected to make the Australian squad for the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. The five-time World Cup champions are now seen as title favorites by many.

Mickey Arthur agrees that Australia can defend their title in England

Pakistani coach Mickey Arthur, though worried about his team Pakistan’s whitewash, said that the Australian team is one of the favorites to win the World Cup in England and Wales coming May. “I definitely think they are [capable of winning the World Cup]. They’re traveling really well. All the final jigsaw parts are coming together nicely. Australia looks a very, very good side They will be a threat at the World Cup … I think there’s up to seven teams that can win the World Cup,” Arthur was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Arthur pointed out that Steve Smith and David Warner will make their returns to the team and with a well-rested Pat Cummins, who missed this series after a grueling India tour, coupled with returns of Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc; the Australia team looks very good in their defence of the World Champions title.

“You get Warner and Smith back, you put Starc and Cummins back into that line-up. It’s pretty formidable,” added Arthur.

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