Who will win the ICC World Cup 2019? The question was asked to the captains of all 10 participating teams on Thursday in the captain’s conclave ahead of the tournament. While pretty much everyone agreed that World Cup 2019 will be one of the most competitive tournaments, hosts England appeared to be the hot pick of the captains.
Aaron Finch, Australia captain
“I think, England have been in great form over the lastcouple of years and along with India, they’ve probably been the standout performers.So you’d have to say England are definitely the favourites.
Finch also welcomed both David Warner and Steve Smith backas his team looks to defend the title they won in 2015.
“Since Warner and Smith have come back into the set-up theyhave been fantastic and contributed so much. The morale has been unbelievable.Once it gets underway, particularly against England, and further on for theAshes, the crowd will play a part but that is expected everywhere in the world.We have plans in place for that, and their squad input and output in terms ofthe runs they have been making has been fantastic,” Finch said.
Virat Kohli, India captain
The way I look at it, there’s always going to be a hugefan-base for us anywhere we play in the world. But I have to agree with Aaron,I think England is probably – in their conditions – the most strong side inthis tournament, but I also agree with Morgs, that all ten teams are so wellbalanced and so strong, and the fact that this is a tournament where we have toplay everyone once, makes it all the more challenging. I think that’s going tobe the best thing about this tournament, I see this as probably one of the mostcompetitive World Cups that people are going to see
Eoin Morgan, England captain
England skipper Eoin Morgan said, “I don’t think anyone ishead and shoulders above anyone else. These are the ten best teams in theworld, it will be extraordinarily competitive and some quality cricket will beplayed so we are really looking forward to it.”
“Every captain sitting here would lose their left leg toplay in a World Cup final at the home of cricket. It’s something every one ofus would have dreamed of as a kid. We are as best prepared as we can be. Wejust want to play that first game now,” Morgan added.
Faf du Plessis, South Africa captain
Du Plessis is hoping to become the first man to lead hisside to a first-ever World Cup crown, after four semi-final appearances.
“We are all really excited to try out this new tournament,to play every once I think is great. The way we use our resources will bevital, but every team has X-factor bowlers that will have a big say in thesuccesses of the side.”
“I think the bowlers will win it, the teams still in ittowards the end of the tournament will be the teams that have done really wellwith the ball,” du Plessis said.
Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan captain
Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led his team when theywon the ICC Champions Trophy in England in 2017, said that he is feelingconfident.
“All the teams are really balanced. I think people are goingto watch some great cricket. Since winning the World Cup in 1992, making thefinal in 1999 here in England and the Champions Trophy in 2017, we go well inEngland so we are confident we will do well and challenge,” Sarfaraz said.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand captain
New Zealand were the runners up four years ago and skipperKane Williamson hopes his side can go one better this time.
“There are a few guys in the squad from the last World Cupwhich is great. But four years in between means there are a lot of new players.There has been talk about rankings, favourites, underdogs but what stands outis how balanced it is. Which means anything can happen on the day which is soexciting,” Williamson said.
Jason Holder, West Indies captain
Jason Holder said: “It is a very exciting format. In thepast, you could play five or six games, and that could be it. To play everyside is great for us. We worked hard with the qualifiers to get here, thatmeans it is the top ten in the world, we want to play them all and giveourselves a shot. The team that wins will definitely deserve it.”
Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka captain
Sri Lanka’s new skipper Dimuth Karunaratne said: “We havegreat experience in England, we came here early to get used to the conditionsand we are in good shape, hoping to do our best. It is not going to be easythough. We are confident and taking it each game one by one.”
Gulbadin Naib, Afghanistan captain
“We are excited to be here, in front of the cricket worldand to play the best teams. To present Afghanistan to the world is great and weare looking forward to it. There will be a huge audience at home in all thedifferent provinces. Cricket is not just a sport now, in Afghanistan it hasbecome something else.”
Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh captain
“We have got a great bunch of boys, a good mix of seniorsand juniors coming on. Cricket is a game that anyone on their day can beatanybody. If we start well we can hang in there. We are confident that we can gowell, but a lot depends on the start,” Mortaza said.
The Film Shed in London’s trendy East End hosted the 10captains ahead of the 2019 tournament. The hosts England will kick-off theWorld Cup against South Africa on May 30 at the Oval. India will open itscampaign on June 5 at the Hampshire Bowl against South Africa. Agencies