World Cup 2019: Steve Waugh names his best batsman; makes a surprise pick for team destined for semis’ spot

The ICC World Cup 2019 was considered to be a very open tournament thanks to the round robin league format in which all the 10 teams play each other once. However, with 23 games being played the rift between the top teams and others has become much clearer. Australia, New Zealand, England, and India occupy the top four spots while Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa are in the second half.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh, who won the World Cups in 1987 and 1999, has all the experience that one needs to find out which teams are doing well and which batsman has been on the top. Recently one of the greatest Australian captains ever, Waugh has named the premier batsman in the tournament in his eyes and the teams that are destined for the semi-finals’ spot in the tournament.

Waugh names Aaron Finch as the premier batsman in the World Cup

Steve Waugh has been very supportive of Finch, both as a batsman and as a captain. Australia came into the World Cup with series wins over India and Pakistan in their respective backyards. As a batsman, Finch is the second highest run-getter in the tournament so far with 343 runs to his name at an average of 68.60 with two half-centuries and one century to his name and at an astonishing strike rate of 110.64.

“He has remained calm and composed off the field in dealing with the media and has unquestionably been the premier batsman of the tournament. His innings against Sri Lanka looked destined for a big number from ball one. On a good quality surface against a modest attack his balance, placement, and power overwhelmed the opposition to the point where he was hitting to wherever, whenever he wanted,” Waugh was quoted by ICC.

Waugh names his teams which will make it to the semi-finals

Steve Waugh also selected four teams that may go on to play in the semi-finals of the World Cup. The three teams that he picked were quite obvious with his home team Australia, the defending champions, neighbours and 2015 edition finalists New Zealand and 1983 and 2011 World cup winners India.

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However, the fourth team that Waugh bet on to reach the final four was Sri Lanka. Waugh was impressed by the way the Islanders batted against the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and co. in the first fifteen overs of their innings, as they raced out of the starting blocks with Karunaratne and Kusal Perera throwing caution to the wind.

“Whilst Sri Lanka didn’t really threaten Australia with perhaps the exception of their first 15 overs of batting it was another positive step for a team that seems destined to be joined in the semis with England, New Zealand and India,“ Waugh added.