Former England talisman opener Alastair Cook has backed his team to win their maiden World Cup. England has played some aggressive cricket in the recent past and they would be playing in their own conditions, which makes them the red hot favourite. Cook believes England can go all the way in the upcoming tourney.
Meanwhile, England has been relentless in the ODI format as they have ticked the right boxes. The Eoin Morgan-led side is at the numero uno position in the ICC ODI Rankings. Consequently, they would like to continue their good form going in the World Cup.
“England has an outstanding chance,” Cook, who retired last year from international cricket, told Sky Sports.
“This is the first time going into a World Cup England have such a settled squad. Everything looks great from the outside, they have every option covered.”
Meanwhile, Alastair Cook believes England are favourites to lift the trophy for the first time in their career. England had lost the semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2017 against Pakistan and would not like to have an off day in the upcoming tournament.
“They had that blip in the (2017) Champions Trophy, where they lost in the semi-final to Pakistan when they were favourites, but you need those lows to be able to grow as a side,” he added.
“They are favourites. This is a great opportunity for Eoin (Morgan) and the guys to play some fantastic cricket.
On the other hand, Cook believes England has plenty of match-winners in their squad. England has a lot of all-rounders in their team who can change the complexion of the game by their skills.
“There are match winners throughout the squad, there are batsmen that can win games on their own, and over the last six or eight months the bowling has really come on. I think they are going to win it.”
Meanwhile, England will like to go all the way in the World Cup. They have a potent side which has played quality cricket in the recent past. However, they could not win the series against the Windies as it was tied 2-2.
Eoin Morgan has led with aplomb and there is a lot of firepower in England’s squad. In fact, for the first time, England would be entering the contest as a favourite in the last 20 years. Thus, they would need to tick the right boxes in the upcoming ODI showpiece.
