Jos Buttler will be the stand-out difference for England: Marcus Trescothick

Not many would have predicted that England would start the 2019 World Cup as the firm favourites after the way they exited the last edition of the competition. The pioneers of the game, who are yet to lay their hands on the holy grail, exited 2015 edition at the group stage after losing to Bangladesh. The defeat had only extended their dismal record in World Cups this century. But fast forward four years and England are the heavy favourites to lift the title at home.

The hosts are currently the top-ranked side in the world and have looked almost unstoppable more often than not. The likes of Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes have completely transformed England’s fortunes in the ODIs. And with England now eyeing their first-ever World Cup win, their former opener Marcus Trescothick feels Buttler will be key to their chances.

Buttler has been the poster-boy of England’s scarcely-believable turnaround in ODIs. He recently smashed a breathtaking 77-ball 150 against the Windies in their own backyard to highlight the talent he has and the damage he can inflict on an opposition.  Buttler has so far smashed more than 3,000 ODI runs at a sensational strike-rate of nearly 120. In addition, he has also cracked 7 hundreds and 18 fifties.

“That hundred he scored against the West Indies was absolutely sensational,” Trescothick was quoted saying by ICC. “To see someone, play in that fashion is quite stunning.”

“Jos is on fire and whatever game he is playing and in whatever format, he is superb now. I really hope his form continues into the World Cup, because if he is in form then he will be the stand-out difference for England,” added Trescothick who played with Buttler at Somerset.

India and England favourites

Going with the popular opinion, Trescothick also termed India and England as the favourites to win the competition. Both the teams have played most consistent cricket in the last couple of years or so and the ranking speaks for itself. While the hosts of the tournament are sitting at the top, India are breathing down their neck at second.

“I think it will come down to two teams, either England or India to win it,” he added. “They are ranked one and two in the world and I think England has as good a chance as we have ever had to win the World Cup with the home advantage. It is a big deal to play World Cup matches at home. Having experienced one World Cup in my career back in 2003, it would have been lovely to have it in your own country.”

The much-awaited tournament will start on May 30 with hosts England taking on South Africa at the Oval. India will kickstart their campaign against South Africa on June 5.

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