The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is just a few months away but the fever is already on and the carnival’s venues, matches, format have already been announced. The fixtures were announced on 26th April, 2018 and it is set to commence from 30th May and last till 14th of July.

There have been teams who have become cricketing powerhouses since the last World Cup while for the other teams, their fate has turned entirely upside down and struggling since. Certain teams may start as the favourites to lift the title, however, in the biggest stage of them all, each and every team remains in contention to spring up surprises.

Here we take a look at how every team&#8217;s composition has changed over the course of the last two years:

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Afghanistan-team-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-282098" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Afghanistan-team-2.jpg" alt="Afghanistan team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282098" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Afghanistan have been one of the fastest growing cricketing nations in the world cricket. They played their first ever World Cup in 2015 and the game was against Bangladesh which resulted in a 105-run defeat. Their solitary win was against Scotland in the multinational tournament.

Post the event, Afghanistan clinched a historic one-day series victory against Zimbabwe. Afghanistan are currently ranked 10th in ICC ODI rankings. Their impressive performances also helped them to score a win against another full-member in Sri Lanka and tie a match against the Indian cricket team in the Asia Cup 2018.

The rising Asian team has got some high impact players like Mohammad Shahzad, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bbl-2018-19-rashid-khan-is-set-to-invent-a-new-shot-during-the-tournament/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rashid Khan</a>, Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, however, their inexperience in dealing with pressure matches can lead them to implode. Nevertheless, they have the ability to create some huge upsets in the upcoming World Cup as they are going to be one of the toughest teams to get past.

Probable squad for the World Cup: Mohammad Shahzad(wk), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Asghar Afghan(c), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Dawlat Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Aftab Alam, Karim Janat, Noor Ali

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Windies-v-India.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-289604" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Windies-v-India.jpg" alt="Windies v India" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-289604" class="wp-caption-text">Windies v India. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Windies, who are two-time World Champions had to play the World Cup qualifier to make it to the main tournament. They made it to the showpiece event ultimately along with Afghanistan. Windies certainly are the underdogs but capable of taking the top teams to their limits. They made it to the quarter-finals in 2015 where they were blown away by the Black Caps.

The team composition of the Caribbean side has changed substantially with many new faces swooping in. Players like Darren Sammy, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor, Sulieman Benn, Sunil Narine no longer remain in the frame for ODI selection, however, could have an outside chance of making it to the squad. Dwayne Bravo, who could have played a major role, bid adieu to international cricket in October 2018.

New faces like Rovman Powell, Shai Hope, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/when-shimron-hetmyers-wicket-celebration-left-windies-red-faced/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shimron Hetmyer</a>, Roston Chase have proved that they very much belong at this level. Even though the Caribbean side isn&#8217;t winning consistently, they have shown courage time and again to take down the top teams in the World.

Windies require Chris Gayle to be fit for the World Cup as he is likely to hang his boots after that. The side looks very much promising but with the experience lacking in the squad, Windies could find themselves in trouble against more formidable teams.

Probable squad for World Cup: Kieran Powell, Chris Gayle, Shai Hope(wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Jason Holder(c), Ashley Nurse, Devendra Bishoo, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sunil Narine, Marlon Samuels

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/12/Bangladesh-team.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-298927" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Bangladesh-team.jpg" alt="Bangladesh team" width="640" height="399" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-298927" class="wp-caption-text">Bangladesh team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Without a doubt, Bangladesh have it all to be a very powerful cricketing nation and raise their game in big stages. Nonetheless, their fluctuating performance and the mental block to go past the knockout stages can be worrisome. They surprisingly ousted England in the last World Cup and went on to make it to the quarter finals where they lost to India.

Their recent performances include reaching the final of the Asia Cup 2018 by winning their league matches against Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Their best performance in all of the World Cups have been making to the quarterfinals or the super eight stages. However, Bangladesh can be the surprise package and have the capability to go a long way. Their weakness lies in getting carried away quickly. Another weakness that can deprive them is that at times they can lack the self-belief to win games.

Probable squad for the World Cup: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim(wk), Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Mehdi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Sri-Lanka.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-288689" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sri-Lanka.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-288689" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Sri Lanka’s set up has drastically changed with the big three missing for the upcoming World Cup. Since the departure of Tillakaratne Dilshan, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kevin-pietersen-sets-the-template-for-new-england-kumar-sangakkara/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kumar Sangakkara</a>, and Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka have experienced a sharp decline in their cricket. Their 2015 World Cup campaign ended in a dismal manner, losing to South Africa comprehensively in the quarter finals.

They are currently ranked 8th in ICC ODI rankings. In recent times, the Islanders have lost the home series against South Africa and England and had a disastrous Asia Cup where they crashed out without a single win. They have also been changing captains periodically which hasn’t been helping their cause either.

The Lankans need to find an able captain who can inject some energy and inspiration into the side. There is no scarcity of talent, however, there have been fitness issues lingering. However, a side comprising of Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/lasith-malinga-named-sri-lanka-skipper-for-the-odis-and-lone-t20i-against-new-zealand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lasith Malinga</a> can never be counted out.

Probable squad for the World Cup: Niroshan Dickwella(wk), Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dinesh Chandimal(c), Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Kusal Perera.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Pakistan-team-picture.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-291150" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Pakistan-team-picture.jpg" alt="Pakistan team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-291150" class="wp-caption-text">Pakistan team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Pakistan, the unpredictable one-day side has had their volatilities since the last World Cup. Misbah-ul-Haq and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shahid-afridi-advises-virat-kohli-to-follow-captain-cool-ms-dhonis-footsteps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shahid Afridi</a> bowed out of ODIs after losing to Australia in the quarter-final. In November 2015, Younis Khan also announced his retirement from the limited-overs format.

Pakistan’s recent ODI form has been a point of concern. They had a tragic Asia Cup where they were beaten twice by India and by Bangladesh in the virtual semi-final. They just managed to draw the series against the Blackcaps in the UAE.

The Men in Green&#8217;s bowling attack can be very dangerous and effective in the swinging English conditions, however, their promising batting line-up needs to step up in the crunch situations. Their tour of New Zealand early in 2018 was a testimony of a complete failure as a batting unit. In spite of this, what makes Pakistan favourites is how they managed to capture the Champions Trophy in a familiar territory after being in tatters.

Probable squad for the World Cup: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmad(c&amp;wk), Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Sohail, Shan Masood.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/New-Zealand.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-292063" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/New-Zealand.jpg" alt="Trent Bolt of New Zealand celebrates his hat-trick" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-292063" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand  (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)</figcaption>

New Zealand have got one of the best batsmen in the world in Kane Williamson, who was the automatic choice for the skipper after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/virat-kohli-is-the-best-player-in-the-world-by-a-fair-bit-across-formats-brendon-mccullum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brendon McCullum</a> announced his retirement from international cricket in 2016. Along with him, Daniel Vettori and Grant Elliott will also be sorely missed from the last World Cup’s team which missed out on the glory despite making it to the final for the first time.

The Kiwis have one of the greatest bowling combinations in the world in Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Adam Milne. Lockie Ferguson can be a very good addition to the attack as well. New Zealand’s top three are well settled but their middle order faces scrutinization.

Besides Ross Taylor and Tom Latham, the inexperienced middle order are subject to implode if the top three have a bad day. A team chasing it’s first World Cup will have to like all their bases covered.

Probable squad for the World Cup: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(wk), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Corey Anderson, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, George Worker.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/England-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-289641" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/England-1.jpg" alt="Joe Denly of England" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-289641" class="wp-caption-text">England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The landscape of England’s ODI cricket has been drastically changed since the 2015 World Cup. From being in tatters since being knocked out by Bangladesh in the group stage, England have become the No. 1 ranked ODI side over the last four years. After the debacle in Trans-Tasman, they overhauled the whole set-up and stuck with it regardless of the results which has worked wonders for them.

Fast forward to 2018, the Brits have beaten sides like Australia, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand since then and all look set to grab their first ever World Cup on their home soil.

England, without doubt, have got the goods to create history, however, their batting order can crumble under pressure situations. An evidence of it was the semi-final of the Champions Trophy where they were upset by the eventual champions Pakistan. Their batsmen&#8217;s inability to adapt to conditions quickly can prove to be fatal in the big matches.

Probable squad for the World Cup: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler (wk), David Willey, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Olly Stone, Sam Curran.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/South-Africa.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-292725" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/South-Africa.jpg" alt="South Africa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-292725" class="wp-caption-text">South Africa. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)</figcaption>

South Africa have been starting as favourites in almost all of the World Cups only to blow it up in the knockout stages. It really doesn’t take away the fact that they will be the dark horses in the upcoming event as well. Their 2015 leg ended in a heartbreaking fashion when they lost the semi-final in the penultimate ball to the Black Caps.

Their batting department suffered a major jolt when <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/psl-2019-ab-de-villiers-delighted-to-be-a-part-of-lahore-qalandars/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AB de Villiers</a> announced his retirement earlier this year. The Proteas lost the ODI series against India comprehensively at their home early in 2018 but bounced back to win away against Sri Lanka and Australia convincingly.

The recent form of Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla has been slightly disturbing. In absence of Ab de Villiers, the burden falls on the skipper Du Plessis and the reasonably experienced David Miller. Their bowling looks strengthened with the return of Dale Steyn, however, the injury clouds rest on all three frontline fast bowlers.

Probable squad for the World Cup: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(wk), Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis(c), Heinrich Klassen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, JP Duminy, Chris Morris

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Team-India.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-290644" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Team-India.jpg" alt="Team India" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-290644" class="wp-caption-text">Team India. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

India are yet another prime favourites to win the World Cup. They ended up as the semi-finalists in the 2015 edition going down to the hosts and eventual champions Australia. Their uncharacteristic death bowling which had been an issue in the last World Cup seemed to have disappeared with the presence of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/we-are-too-dependent-on-bhuvneshwar-kumar-and-jasprit-bumrah-in-odis-vvs-laxman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah</a> and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Their top three batsmen are world-class while the spin-twins in Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have also been equally reliant. The major issue that bothers the Indian team is the constantly failing middle order. This was exposed in England where their middle-order batsmen were largely incompetent. The No. 4 conundrum has been distressing the batting line-up for a while even as Ambati Rayudu has filled it up in the last few matches.

Having said that, he will need to be consistent and will be tested against the formidable teams. MS Dhoni, who has been India’s steadfast middle order batsman as well as a finisher, has lost his sheen and is struggling nowadays. In 20 matches in 2018, the 37-year old has only scored 275 runs at an average of 25.

Probable squad for the World Cup: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Ambati Rayudu, KL Rahul, MS Dhoni(wk), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed, Manish Pandey, Suresh Raina.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/12/Australia-ODI-team.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-300374" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Australia-ODI-team.jpg" alt="Australia ODI team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-300374" class="wp-caption-text">Australia ODI team. (Photo by Michael Dodge &#8211; CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Australia have been the most underperforming team in the recent past and the defending champions could suffer one of their worst World Cups in history. The five-time champions have lost 16 of their last 18 ODIs with their batting contributing to the majority of their deposition. They have also dropped to sixth in the ICC rankings.

Part of their recent dismal batting performances could be attributed to the absence of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bpl-2019-david-warner-to-lead-sylhet-sixers-in-the-tournament/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Warner</a> and Steve Smith, however, it remains to be seen how much of their batting woes would be resolved when the duo returns. Their batting order which had appeared so consolidating in the middle overs during the last World Cup has now witnessed them losing wickets in clusters, mainly due to their inability to counter spin.

Their batsmen have been very one-dimensional, trying to milk every ball into a boundary. The rash shots being played in the middle overs have cost them the matches hugely. Their bowling too looks leaky to be honest. Mitchell Starc’s form has been way below compared to four years ago along with Pat Cummins and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/virat-kohli-takes-apart-josh-hazlewood-with-three-scorching-boundaries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Hazlewood</a> being too fragile with their fitness.

Ashton Agar or Adam Zampa’s position as the lone spinner also hangs by balance. With so many uncertainties looming, the defending champions could might as well endure their worst World Cup campaign. Though one can never rule out the Aussies in the World events.

Probable squad for the World Cup:- David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, George Bailey, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey(wk), Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head.

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A lot has changed since the last edition of the showpiece event.

Team composition in the World Cup 2015 and how it has changed leading into World Cup 2019

With the World Cup only a few months away, we analyse how teams stack up in the lead up to the mega event which will be played in England.

Team composition in the World Cup 2015 and how it has changed leading into World Cup 2019

A lot has changed since the last edition of the showpiece event.

Here we take a look at how every team’s composition has changed over the course of the last two years:

10. Afghanistan