Mike Hussey picks Australia and England as favourites to win Champions Trophy

ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is knocking at the door, with less than a week for the elite tournament to begin. Before the ‘mini World Cup’ commences, many former cricketers are picking their favourites to win the tournament. Former Australian batsman Mike Hussey has selected his favourites. Mr.Cricket feels that his nation Australia and Ashes rivals England are most capable of winning the trophy.

Both the teams are placed in Group A. Speaking of Group B, Hussey feels defending champions India and South Africa will enter the tournament as favourites. Pakistan might offer some stern resilience while the Lankans are coming out of a humiliating loss against Scotland. England and Australia will have to face New Zealand and Bangladesh in the group stages, besides challenging each other.

England has a big chance to win, feels Mike Hussey

Speaking to Cricket Australia (CA), Hussey revealed the teams that he is willing to put money on. When asked about to pick his favourites, without thinking twice he said, “Australia, and as much as I hate to say it, England. It’s so hard in these tournaments because they’re all so good. England are a big chance to win it all. They’ve got a good all-round team,” he was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

England indeed have a very settled lineup and with the home support, many cricketers are terming them as favourites. A few English cricketers like Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes performed exceptionally well in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). English skipper Eoin Morgan has a great squad at his disposal. It is a pleasure for any captain to choose two openers from Jason Roy, Sam Billings and Alex Hales. Injured pace duo David Willey and Mark Wood are also back in the team now.

But Australians are no novice either. Steve Smith-led team boasts of the deadly Warner-Finch opening pair. With hard-hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Chris Lynn and speedsters like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, they can give any team a run for their money.