ICC World Cup 2019: Simon Katich reveals his favourites to win the competition

With every passing day, the excitement for the much-awaited ICC World Cup is increasing. With less than two months remaining before the mega event gets underway in England, all the teams and fans across the globe are buys predicting the teams which can go all the way to lay its hands on the coveted World Cup trophy. Former Australia batsman Simon Katich has also revealed his picks who he thinks can win the tournament.

This year’s World Cup will see ten teams vying for the top prize. Four teams will make it to the last four in the semifinal after each team plays against each other once in the league stage. After the 1992 edition of the World Cup, this format is being used for the very first time. And while only time will tell which team lifts the trophy at Lord’s on July 14, Katich feels India and England are the front runners.

England and India are two of the most dominating ODI teams in the last few years and their ICC rankings pretty much prove it. While England are perched at the top, India are breathing down their neck at the second.  Katich also said that the conditions in the English summer will make a big difference.

“I think it will be a great World Cup. Having it in England will add a different dimension. I think conditions are going to play a big part, given that it is June-July. If it is a hot and dry summer like last year then some Indian spinners and those from other teams will get a look in.”

“India will certainly be up there, they have a well-balanced side. England have been in great ODI form and have players like Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes who can win a match on their own. They have a dynamic batting line up and they bat deep,” Katich told Hindustan Times.

Australia’s chances:

Katich also refused to rule out Australia.  The defending World Cup-winners have finally returned to the form that made them the world champions in 2015. They came from 2-0 down to beat India 3-2 in their own backyard last month before whitewashing Pakistan in 5-0 in the UAE.

“Can’t underestimate Australia as well and they are hitting their straps at the right time. Expect these teams to be there at the back end of the tournament,” Katich said,

The 2019 World Cup kickstarts on May 30 with England taking on South Africa in the tournament opener at the Oval.

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