The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is right at our doorstep with the opening match taking place on Thursday (30 May) when hosts England take on South Africa at the Oval. This will definitely get start the tournament off on the highest note possible and promises to be a cracking encounter. Ten countries will compete in this tournament for cricketing supremacy, each with their own stars who can win matches on any given day. Here are my picks for 10 the players to look out for in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup
South Africa: Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir may be the oldest cricketer at the ICC Cricket World Cup at age 40, but his youthful exuberance, passion for the game and leg spin trickery, will be one of the Proteas biggest assets. Tahir has bags of experience and will want to end his time as a Protea with the World Cup in his hands. Tahir is known for his huge celebrations when he gets a wickets – imagine the celebration in store when he lifts the trophy. It’s an image that every South African would like to see. If Tahir is on form then South Africa will have a massive chance of lifting the trophy for the first time in their history.
Pakistan: Babar Azam
Babar Azam might just be the classiest batsman you will see at the World Cup this year. The Pakistani right-hander has been one of his countries brightest young prospects and if he continues his good form, then he will be one of their dangermen with bat in hand. Azam playes some brilliant shots (cover drive, off drive) but can also go big and smash it out of the stands. Expect Azam to pile on the runs as Pakistan look to take their second World Cup trophy and emulate their Champions Trophy achievements when they also took the title on English soil back in 2017.
Australia: David Warner
The controversial left-handed opener, will be one of the players to watch out for at the World Cup – if you hate him or love him. Warner is the type of player that demands attention with his outspoken personality and gung-ho style of batting. It’s either full out or nothing from Warner and if he fires then Australia are always in for a fight. Warner will also want to prove himself on the biggest stage after being banned for the Sandpaper scandal in 2018. If his form in the recently concluded IPL season if anything to go by, then opposition bowlers could be in for a rough time.
Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva
Sri Lanka may not be the force they have always been under the leadership of greats like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, but in Dhananjaya de Silva, they have a new prospect who could take the mantle for this new generation of Sri Lankan cricketers. De Silva is a talented right-handed batsman who can play to both sides of the wicket and will be the glue in the Sri Lankan middle order. De Silva can also be an asset with the ball in hand as his off spin can also stifle runs in the middle period of the innings.
West Indies: André Russell
The brash and outspoken André Russell will be one of the most exciting players at the World Cup. This is not just a statement but a fact. Russell has immense hitting power and will be one of the key players for the West Indies during the tournament. Russell can turn a game on its head with the bat and can also pick up wickets with the ball. He is also in the form of his life and his exploits in the recently concluded IPL showed his ability to get his team back into the game from no where. His wicket will definitely be key in beating a team filled with West Indian stars.
New Zealand:Kane Williamson
The ever consistent Kane Williamson is not the captain of the Black Caps for nothing as his calm assurance at the crease and excellent technique will come in handy for New Zealand. Williamson is one of the world’s best batsmen and he will want to make this a tournament to remember. Williamson would want nothing more than to lead his nation to victory on the biggest stage. With an average of 45, he could well go on to better that to 50 with a fantastic World Cup under his belt.
India: Virat Kohli
India’s Mr dependable is the best batsman in the world for a reason. Kohli does not give his wicket away, is known for his brilliance under pressure in a run chase and seems to make a mockery out of the world best bowlers when he is on form. Kohli sometimes bats as if he is superhuman and accumulates runs almost machine-like for the national team. A fit and fighting Kohli will be key to India’s success in England.
England: Jason Roy
Jason Roy has blossomed into one of the most dangerous batsmen over the past two years and he has established himself at the top of England’s batting order. His recent performances against Pakistan in a home ODI series were an indication of his talents with a couple of brutal 50’s and a hundred to his name where he smashed the bowlers to all parts. Together with opening partner, Jonny Bairstow, they form a formidable opening partnership and their success in the opening overs will be key to England’s victory push.
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan
Al Hasan is definitely Bangladesh’s most experienced campaigner and one of their most valuable players heading into this World Cup. Al Hasan is a fantastic left-handed batsman and a more than capable spin bowler whose wicket taking ability will be crucial for the Bangladeshis. If Al Hasan is on a roll then the Bangladeshis can upset on the bigger nations during the World Cup.
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan
Cricket in Afghanistan has grown in leaps and bounds this past year and leg spinner, Rashid Khan, is a prime example of this. Khan has turned into an international cricketing superstar with his stint in the Big Bash League and IPL and is currently one of the world’s top spinners. His strengths lie in his quick arm action and the speed of his deliveries. Khan will be Afghanistan’s trump card and his form will definitely give Afghanistan the credibility to surprise a few nations at this World Cup.
