World Cup 2019: Nasser Hussain picks his fantastic four for the tournament

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has zeroed in on four teams that he expects will be serious bidders for the ICC World Cup this year. While hosts and No.1 ODI side England are among the four, the other three are 2015 finalists New Zealand, two-time champions India and Champions Trophy holders Pakistan. The 51-year-old is confident that the hosts will cope well with the pressure of being pre-tournament favourites but also feels that sides like India, Pakistan and New Zealand will pose them major threats.

Hussain has spoken about his admiration for Pakistan cricket

Hussain, who led England in the 2003 edition of the tournament, was particularly praising Pakistan, something he did a few days back as well. Speaking to PakPassion, Nasser Hussain had said that even though many Pakistani fans were disappointed over the loss of hopes a number of times, he still “loved” Pakistan cricket. He said the fact that the Men in Green always remain a mercurial side heightens his admiration for them and warned that one cannot write them off from the upcoming World Cup.

Pakistan, who have won the prestigious trophy only once under the leadership of their iconic all-rounder Imran Khan who is now the Prime Minister of the country. He had another major success two years back on the English soil. On that occasion, they thumped their arch-rivals India to win the Champions Trophy. Besides, Pakistan also made the final of the World Cup in 1999, the last time it was held in England, but was thrashed by Australia.

“You look at India, they travel so well. They’re in the mix. ‘There’s pressure on England at home but they are a great side. And I think New Zealand and Pakistan can both surprise people. I’m going with that four’,” the Chennai-born former cricketer said while speaking at the ICC Cricket World Cup Preview show on Sky Sports.

Pakistan is currently playing a limited-over series against England as their final preparation ahead of the World Cup. They won all the three side games but lost the one-off T20I. The first ODI at the Kennington Oval got washed out.

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