With just under a month to go for the ICC Cricket World Cup, teams have begun to settle on combinations and iron out their final tactics. Discussions around the tournament have also begun to revolve around which teams look the strongest, and could lift the trophy.
Bet here on World Cup and other cricket matches!
Former MCC president Kumar Sangakkara was asked after the conclusion of the fourth ODI between England and New Zealand for his thoughts on the favourites for the World Cup.
"England, India, South Africa...but 7 or 8 teams are trying to win the World Cup" - Kumar Sangakkara
During the post-match show after England beat New Zealand, Sangakkara was involved in a discussion with former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull and ex-England skipper Eoin Morgan about which teams looked strong and settled ahead of the World Cup. He said,
I think England and India are going to be top favourites...I saw Sri Lanka play the last game and how they played throughout the Asia Cup, so they could be challenging for a playoff position...once you're in the playoffs, you're a game away. You have a good day, you could be in the final.
South Africa, I know that you [Simon Doull] picked South Africa...it's like there's so many contenders, isn't it? About seven or eight teams trying to win the World Cup, but I would put England and India as the strongest with a few others that can really challenge for it.
England, the defending champions, are looking strong with a very talented squad led by Jos Buttler. They have just beaten New Zealand 3-1 in the four-match ODI series and are looking primed for the World Cup which will begin on October 5.
India, one of the hot favourites, are currently playing Asia Cup 2023 where they have reached the final and will take on Sri Lanka on Sunday. They are favourites to lift the Asia Cup, and a win is sure to boost the Men in Blue as they go into their final preparations, a home bilateral series against Australia.
As hosts, the pressure is on India to put up a good show in front of their home crowd. In addition, each of the last three World Cups have been won by the home team; England in 2019, Australia in 2015 and India themselves in 2011.
MORE: Why the India jersey will have two stars instead of three?