2015 Cricket World Cup winner will be one among Australia, New Zealand and South Africa: Jason Gillespie

Jason Gillespie

Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie believes that one out of Australia, South Africa and New Zealand will win the 2015 50-over ICC World Cup, as the conditions suit these three teams’ brand of cricket.

The 39-year-old was full of praises for the Kiwi team and, in particular, top order batsman Kane Williamson. He said: “New Zealand are a bit of a dark horse. They’re a very good side. They’re well led (by) Brendon McCullum.

“They’ve got a very good coaching support staff there in place and they’ve got all bases covered.”

He added: “Kane Williamson has been one of our overseas players for Yorkshire over the past couple of seasons and he’s improving as a player all the time. He’s going to turn into one of the greats of the game. I think with him, Brendon McCullum (and) backed up with some of their other batsmen, and their bowling attack is underrated, I think they can cause a few problems.”

Miller factor

On Australia and South Africa’s chances, Gillespie, who is currently the coach of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said: “Australia will be in the mix for sure.”

Stressing on the value of big-hitting batsman David Miller to South Africa’s hopes, he said: “South Africa, they’ll be relying on their bowling attack and (their batting will) based around de Villiers, Amla and du Plessis. David Miller could play a real part for South Africa on the fast bouncy tracks. He’s a big hitting batsman.

“I would say (the winner will be) out of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.”

Gillespie, however, doesn’t think that the subcontinental sides would cope up with the demands of the conditions in Australia and New Zealand where the showpiece event will be held. He said: “Subcontinent sides by and large will find the fast and bouncier tracks a little bit of a challenge, but you certainly wouldn’t write any of them off.”