Former England fast bowler has opted for a challenge by picking Australia to defend their World Cup title. It’s pertinent that Australia has won the 2015 World Cup after thumping arch-rivals New Zealand by seven wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Meanwhile, the ICC World Cup 2019 will get underway on May 30 in London. Thus, he believes the Aussie team could give a tough time to already favourites England and India this gruelling summer.
“I’m going to go with Australia. I hate saying it. I really do. But I am going with Australia,” Gough revealed on preview show for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Meanwhile, Justin Langer’s Kangaroos will be keen to dominate this summer while availing back the services of senior batsmen; Steven Smith and David Warner.
While speaking of chopping and changes, Gough is confident of seeing Australia in good stead.
“I believe they’re now in a good place. They’ve made a lot of changes and I think they’ve got all bases covered, especially with [David] Warner and [Steve] Smith coming back in,” Gough elaborated.
Overall, Australia has won five World Cups so far apart from making it to the two finals since 1975.
The reigning champions had faced a torrid time since the ball-tampering scandal had unfolded in March 2018.
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However, in 2019, the resurgent side had strengthened their case. They went on to beat India before routing Pakistan 5-0 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thus, they’ve continued with the winning streak of eight ODIs.
“Australia have not been in a good place over the past year. But they find a way come the big tournaments to deliver,” added Gough.
Notably, Smith and Warner have partaken in the recently held Indian Premier League (IPL). The southpaw Warner has ended up on finishing as the leading run scorer. He won the Orange Cap for his 692 runs in just 12 matches.
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The 48-year-old Gough conceded that Australia is a strong batting unit. He remarked that skipper Aaron Finch alongside Warner could take away the game from opposition given their aggressive brand of play.
“I really, really like the look of them [Australia]. [Aaron] Finch and Warner can take a game away from you. Smith in the middle order is perfect. From the batting side, they’ve got every base covered. I think they could be very, very strong in this tournament,” Gough said.
The boys in Baggy Green will start their World Cup campaign at Bristol where they will lock horns with Afghanistan on June 1st.