As we approach the second week of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, it’s a further chance to assess our options long-term having seen all ten sides in action.
In the league format that pits every team against one another over a five week spell, only the top four will advance into July’s semi-finals and final; there are at least six strong contenders out of these ten who will be expecting to find themselves within a shot of glory in the knockout phase.
A lot of attention has been placed on the hosts, England. Early indications of the ante-post markets have seen England favoured as the favourites, however, after taking a win and a loss from their first two outings it’s time to reflect on their value in the tournament long term.
Losing by 14 runs to Pakistan in England’s second outing raised a few eyebrows over the validity of their World Cup bid, however, their batting strengths are in such an abundance that a result of this scale is unlikely to become regular. Scoring 334 runs, with the in-form Joe Root and Jos Butler recording centuries, the hosts fell agonisingly close to a World Cup record run-chase (349); the pain was emphasised having beaten Pakistan four times in the run up to this summer’s tournament.
The balance of this England side is exceptional, with a formidable top order and destructive hitters filling in the middle of the eleven – there are plenty of batting options if England require being dug out of real trouble later along in the competition.
Variety in the bowling attack also favours the hosts. Woakes, Wood, Archer and Ali dominated the attack, with only Archer falling short of claiming a wicket against the Pakistan attack. In reality, sloppy fielding allowed the runs to build for Pakistan – England will take a couple of games to adapt to the pressures of playing host.
It’s less “blind faith” and more an appreciation of how special this England side is. They have a fantastic record in the shorter forms of the game over the past couple of years, with home conditions allowing huge advantages over the sides used to harder, more aggressive pitches. These advantages need to be capitalised on: there are discussions over England’s decision to elect to field in their World Cup defeat where the pitch was screaming for early runs to be scored.
Australia and India (winners of the last five editions) are expected to run England the closest. Not since 1992 have England reached a World Cup final, but the signs are pointing towards a sizzling, successful summer. Harbouring the passionate home support and negating the pressure that will inevitably build will prove crucial to whether or not Trevor Bayliss can convert success on this huge year for English cricket. The longevity of the Round Robin group stage is of great benefit to England, with a top four finish looking a dead cert.
The pain of the 2016 T20 final loss at the hands of the West Indies will run deep in a few of these England players – we’ve seen heartbreak turn to triumph all too often in sport.
England to qualify for the Cricket World Cup final @ 9/10 (Marathon Bet)
England to win the Cricket World Cup @ 2/1 (Marathon Bet)
Joe Root to be England’s Top Batsman @ 5/4 (Marathon Bet)
