ICC World Cup: Gavaskar chooses England over India as favorites
What's the story
The ICC World Cup 2019 starts from May 30 onwards in England and Wales. England and India go into the tournament as the favorites to win the trophy. The number one and two ODI sides in the world have played breathtaking cricket in this format, over the last couple of years. However, legend Sunil Gavaskar has picked England as favorites over India. Here's why.
England
ODIs: England have a well settled squad
England have the least number of issues and all their departments look well settled. England had bowed out of the group stage in the 2015 edition but since then, they have built a world-class squad. They have plenty of match-winners in their ranks and their recent streak shows that they can matches against all top sides, across the globe. Gavaskar pointed out the same.
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'The strong favourites in the World Cup are England'
"The strong favourites in the World Cup are England. And it is not because of the fact that it will be a home World Cup for them. But because they have changed their attitude towards ODI cricket," said Gavaskar to India Today.
Authority
England will want to show their authority at home
Since the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, England have won all series, except one. This includes a 2-1 ODI series win against India at home last year. Since the 2015 World Cup, England have won 52 matches to script a win percentage of 65. England will want to show their authority at home. Their batting and all-round sectors look the most promising.
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Gavaskar highlights the strengths of England
"They have a good opening pair, they have strong middle-order batters, they also have a good all-rounder in the form of Ben Stokes and when you play at home you also have a strong backing," said the former Indian captain.
Prediction
Gavaskar picks his four semi-finalists
Gavaskar has predicted that England, India, Pakistan and Australia could be the four semi-finalists. "Pakistan have always been a formidable side. And the Australian team will look strong with the return of Steve Smith and David Warner. So these four teams will be in the semi-finals. New Zealand are also favourites because conditions in England are almost similar to theirs," said the legend.