2019: A World Cup of Equals or Favourites?

Every 4 years, Cricket World Cup fever begins amidst global fanfare and massive expectations. Pundits, analysts, commentators and fans start placing punts and back their favourite teams to lift the coveted prize money in Cricket. Yet, it’s that bunch of 15 in the squad or 11 on the field that bring self-belief, years of hard work and consistency to give their best shot. Without a doubt- it’s the mecca, the ultimate crown for a national Cricket team to achieve.

And for fans to rejoice the title of World Cup winners till the next one arrives. So what does England 2019 hold for all cricket fanatics? Will it be the tournament for the most consistent team since 2015 or are we in for a surprise? Will it be the hosts again that lift the dream title after India in 2011 & Australia in 2015? Always in sport, there are favourites. And the notion continues. Home team England will be crowd lovers while Asian giants India, 5-times champs Australia and World Cups’ favourite bunnies South Africa will top the aces for most experts.

I believe a World Cup is all about momentum. Yes track record and performance of the near past counts, but it’s how you motivate, charge your batteries and gather steam in those critical 45-odd days, that would set the path. English conditions used to be a nemesis for the best in the world. No more! Teams have cracked the code and tackled the swinging conditions immaculately over the years. One-day cricket is a different ball game. Flat tracks, 300+ scores in England are the norm now, game after game. This trend assures fans a cricketing feast. For teams, they have to savour the present than think too deep from the onset.

That’s the mantra to take the journey to the finale. This World Cup begins as one of equals. Every team will be up for the challenge. Teams will have to analyse situations, seize crucial moments and bring the X-factor to be at Lords on 14^th July and go on cruise control to bag the World Cup.