Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar conceded that England as a side has improved a lot since their poor show at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The Team India veteran further maintained the hosts could highly-likely lift their maiden title at home. Their quest for the ICC World Cup 2019 title is revealed by how the side has backed their best performers over the years.
The 69-year-old batting legend Gavaskar reiterated that England has been playing high-quality cricket, of late. He added the side is comprised of some good players to make things count. Adding, the buoyancy of the players had boosted the team in a nutshell.
“England have got a very good team; they have got lots of confidence. You have seen them in all the recent matches and they have been playing outstanding cricket,” Reuters quoted Gavaskar as saying.
The ODI showpiece will commence from May 30 at Kennington Oval in London as England will kick-off their home soil campaign against quality side South Africa.
Well, Eoin Morgan-led Three Lions will enter the quadrennial event as the No.1 ODI team. Since 2018, the far better side has thumped India, New Zealand, and Australia.
Pertinently, while playing at home will serve as an advantage for the hosts, they further have depth in their batting line-up which makes them overall a threatening side.
The fearless approach from English players has impressed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
England to start as favourites at the World Cup:
Interestingly, in the previously held two World Cups, hosts have thoroughly dominated since 2011 when India lifted their second World Cup title at the Wankhede against India. Besides, four years later with World Cup games jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, Kangaroos trounced Kiwis by seven wickets at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on 29th of March, 2015.
Thus, Gavaskar has though on the similar lines that hosts could give their best. He added other teams are also playing quality cricket.
“If you go by what has happened in the last couple of World Cups, the host team has won. But, of course, in cricket, anything can happen. While England will start as the favourites, there are other teams that are also playing some good cricket,” Gavaskar stated.
Following a shocking exit at the previous World Cup, Morgan already maintained that they’ve had worked on their game. With consistency a major boost for England, the hosts have shown a positive approach to improve their game.’
England favourites to lift the title: Gavaskar
Notably, Gavaskar stated that England are playing with a different mindset. The former opener said England has entirely changed post-2015 World Cup debacle.
“England are the favourites. Simply because of the way they are playing cricket, the complete turnaround in their cricketing attitude and approach after their disastrous 2015 World Cup,” Gavaskar added.
The historic Lord’s will host the grand finale of the World Cup on July 14.
In conclusion, India will be a major challenge for the teams before predicting the reigning champions Australia and Windies could be other title contenders. Gavaskar, who was the part of 1983 World Cup-winning team, believes the pitches would be on the drier side while considering the English weather.