Australia cricket-turned commentator Dean Jones believes his national team could lift their overall sixth edition of the 2019 World Cup. However, following the shoulder injuries of tainted Steven Smith and David Warner the Kangaroos would face a litmus test ahead of the ODI showpiece event in the United Kingdom (UK).
With the World Cup almost three-and-a-half-month away, starting May 30 in England, Australia will play a crucial limited-overs series against hosts India. The series comprised of two-match Twenty20 International and five-match One-day International (ODIs) series will commence from February 24 and run until March 13.
With Australia a force to reckon, Jones believes the 2015 World Cup winners have all the potential to retain the trophy. Even though the legacy has been dealt with a blow following bleak results, Jones reiterates there’s a lot on an offer.
“We have to firmly believe we can win. And that’s the kicker. Belief is everything to winning World Cups,” Jones wrote in an exclusive column for The Age.
The Kangaroos are listed sixth on the ICC’s team charts for the ODIs.
Australians have relied on young blood with team management reposing faith in the exciting prospects.
The 57-year-old Jones believes it’s the way of taking on the opposition to wear them down.
“The right attitude is that no matter what the opposition has in store for us, we have an answer,” Jones maintianed.
The return of Smith and Warner would strengthen the batting core for Aussie. The duo served one-year ban each following the ball-tampering saga in South Africa, last year.
Jones has further laid thrust on the fab four of Australia including concurrent skipper Aaron Finch. He added the quartet can set up the matches for their team
“Our best option (for the top-order) is Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shaun Marsh and Steve Smith. These four men can win games off their own bat,”
In the forthcoming multi-nation showpiece, the teams are vying to get their squad right. The tournament will culminate with the grand finale on July 14 in Lord’s.
In the build-up to marquee event, the cricketing pundits believe India and host England are the favourites to lift the title.
Meanwhile, the Three Lions had a poor run in the last two World Cups of 2011 and 2015 respectively. The team was ousted in the group stage.
However, thereon it has been a strong narrative of England to better their ODI record. They have backed themselves with the depth in their batting department under the leadership of Eoin Morgan.
Currently, England tops the charts of the ODI team on the ICC team rankings. Besides, Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue sits well at the second spot.