Batting will be the main aspect in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. The pitches in England and Wales will assist batting largely. One can expect big scores on most occasions.
Scores of 300-plus could set the tone in the 2019 World Cup. But then it isn’t just about scoring. The crucial aspect lies in sealing important moments. It’s about being decisive.
There are batsmen who will score runs at will. But here we mention the players who can have a solid influence.
Be it at the top or in the middle order, there are players that can counter the show and be prominent for their sides. They are potential match-winners in terms of getting their teams past the line.
Most of the teams are dependent on certain players to bring that extra bit in their approach and game.
From Australia’s Steve Smith to that of India’s MS Dhoni, there is a certain sense of cushion added with these names. So the idea will be to bring in productivity and gain control.
Here we decode the same.
#1 Australia’s Steve Smith has settled in well
The best sight for a cricket fan is to see one of the idols coming back to the set-up and raking up the goods.
Smith, who was banned for 12 months in relation with a ball-tampering scandal in 2018, was always going to be the cynosure of all eyes after returning for the Aussies.
The star batsman came in after a productive IPL 12 campaign and started off on a strong note. Smith notched scores of 22, 89* and 91* against New Zealand XI in three warm-up games back at home.
The confidence gained helped him to continue in the same vein against West Indies in another warm-up match on Wednesday this week. Smith amassed 76 runs and helped his wide win the match.
This is vintage Smith as we all know off. He will be backed to take command of Australia’s middle order in the ICC World Cup 2019. At the moment, Smith’s form augurs well for the Aaron Finch-led side.
One will want to see him gain authority in England and Wales and shun the critics who doubted him. He was Australia’s best run-scorer in 2015 World Cup as well.
#2 Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq has the character to deliver
The Pakistani opening batsman has grown up to become a pivotal force for his side over recent times. Imam-ul-Haq is a solid batting star, whose stock is rising with time.
The southpaw is averaging over 60 with the bat in just 28 ODIs so far. The 23-year-old batsman has a promising career ahead of him and it is a positive sign for Pakistan.
Imam has already amassed six hundred and five fifties to show his worth as someone who loves to bat longer. He brings the consistency level in his game and approach.
He must have gained immense experience from the recently concluded ODI series against England. He will look to use the conditions well.
Imam can support the aggressive Fakhar Zaman during the ICC World Cup 2019. The Asian side will need Imam to bat for longer periods and make a mark. We feel that Imam can light up the Cricket World Cup and perform to his strengths.
#3 India’s MS Dhoni can be the force to be reckoned with
MS Dhoni’s influence in the Indian cricket team is massive as far the ICC World Cup 2019 is concerned. The veteran wicket-keeper batsman has been in prime form in 2019.
And one would hope to see him continuing with the same gusto. Dhoni’s role in that middle order is immense as far Indian team is concerned.
He can still steal the runs through effective running between the wickets. MSD has the knack of taking his time before settling down and finding the tempo.
He looks assured of himself and knows when to pull the plug. Dhoni’s contributions in winning matches will help India in crucial phases.
India’s middle order can be a bit shaky especially with the number four not looking assured. Therefore, the importance of MSD at number five gains vitality.
He will be required to bring in that sense of control and responsibility. With the form he is in, Dhoni could well plunder runs at will.
#4 Faf du Plessis is South Africa’s main weapon
After the 5-1 drubbing in the hands of India, the Proteas team was centered around with doubts. But thanks to their skipper Faf du Plessis. The senior cricketer has been their batting mainstay.
He has helped them win five successive series in a row. After taking the captaincy role last year, Faf has taken his game to another level. He is helped by a tremendous level of focus and consistency.
Faf is crucial for the Proteas, whose batting looks a bit vulnerable at the moment. They have star players in the ranks, but consistency is the issue.
They will need to rally around their skipper in the ICC World Cup 2019. He has been amongst the runs this year and has already plundered three fifties and a century.
He looked in strong touch in the IPL 12 season and one would hope to see him take this SA team to places. If the Proteas are to do well and go the distance, then Faf’s role will become huge. He has that credentials
#5 Jonny Bairstow can lift England
The powerful and aggressive Jonny Bairstow looks like the real deal for England in the 50-over format. He enjoyed a terrific time in 2018 and was the first player to surpass 1,000-run mark.
Bairstow’s mindset and ability to pick up boundaries at will, will help the number one ranked England.
The Englishman can be counted upon by his team to provide the solid start. He has settled in well as an opener and there is a sense of composure attached with him.
His influence alongside Jason Roy atop can help England lay the foundation. They have plenty of match-winners from there on to win games.
The right-handed batsman has smashed one hundred this year and goes into the ICC World Cup 2019 as an in-form batsman.
He was superb in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Bairstow will have the advantage of home conditions and that can do wonders for him.
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