Ian Chappell Calls Australia as One of the Favourites for the 2019 World Cup
Mar 17, 2019 at 1:09 PM
Former Australia Test skipper Ian Chappell has praised the efforts of team’s prominent show against India. The visitors made a strong comeback to win three consecutive ODIs of the five-match series. Subsequently, the guests went on to script history by winning the series 3-2. So much so, the ODI bilateral victory came after a prolonged gap of 10 years on Indian soil. He believes Australia will partake as ‘joint-favourites’ for the 2019 World Cup apart from the Men in Blue and hosts England led by Eoin Morgan.
Australia is a team to beat at the World Cup?
Notably, the quadrennial ODI showpiece will commence from May 30 in England and Wales.
“Australia’s spirited revival, plus the imminent return of star players now has them on an equal footing with India and England as joint-favourites to win the World Cup,” Chappell wrote in his column for Hindustan Times.
The 75-year-old Chappell, who himself led Australia thoroughly by instilling confidence in his teammates.
The veteran cricketer Chappell has termed it as ‘transformation’ for Cricket Australia (CA).
“Australia have just completed a remarkable resurgence, transforming from a struggling ODI side to beat the highly-ranked Indian team, after trailing 0-2 in a five-match series,” Chappell added.
The right-handed batsman of his time, Chappell asserted Australia has put a splendid effort despite struggling after losing some top-class players in past one year.
Pertinently, Steven Smith and David Warner have been out of the senior team. They faced sanctions in the wake up of the ball-tampering saga. The under-hand tactics unfolded at Cape Town during Australia-South Africa Test in March 2018 which led to their one-year ban apart from Cameron Bancroft, who tried to alter the condition of a ball.
“This victory was even more remarkable for the fact that India were playing at home. Australia were missing four of their top players — two from suspension and an injured pair,” Chappell maintained.
Youth and their resurgence:
While talking about exciting prospects for Australia, Chappell made a bold statement. He reiterated the young talented players can carry on with Kangaroos revival.
“If something isn’t done to ensure that talented batting prospects are forthcoming in the future. [And] then the renaissance just experienced in India might be short-lived,” Chappell further wrote.
He also feels if things won’t be settled in time, the resurgence won’t either last long.
NSW cricketers dominate senior team:
From different eras, the players from New South Wales (NSW) have dominated Australian cricket from Victor Trumper to Steve Waugh and Mark Waugh. Besides, Chappell believes there is a lost to flourish. He remarked now the perception doesn’t hold things in the right way.
Also, in the recent past, Australia has lost its premiere bowlers; Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to injuries.
“It might be argued that it’s not a fair comparison as not only is NSW currently missing the presence of Steve Smith and David Warner through suspension. But also Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood because of injury. However, it’s also relevant to point out that in the 1959-60 season with the NSW Test players unavailable. [Back then] Ray Flockton made 264 not out against SA,” Chappell concluded.
In conclusion, Chappell cited the youngsters have a lot on an offer. He pointed out that Australia is on its way to going from strength to strength. Chappell himself played 75 Testa and 16 ODIs between 1964 and 1971 for Australia.