ICC World Cup 2019: 3 best batting lineups at the tournament

The pace of the game in 50-over format has changed quite drastically since the last World Cup in 2015. The wickets dished out for ODIs, barring a few, are now batsmen friendly, and because of that 300 has become only a par score even against good bowling attacks.

The field restrictions phase, in which the fielding captain is allowed only 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the second powerplay (overs 11-40), has now become the main boundary scoring phase in ODI cricket. To add to that, two new balls are used which keeps the ball hard enough for batsmen to take full advantage throughout the entire quota of overs.

The World Cup 2019, which is being held in England and Wales, looks set to follow the similar pattern of high scores and steep run chases. But which teams are best equipped to deal with the batting-friendly conditions?

Here is a look at the three best batting lineups that will be on show at the World Cup this year:

#3 New Zealand

New Zealand v England - 3rd ODI

The Kiwis have always punched above their weight in multi-nation tournaments but the closest they have ever got to placing their hands on a World Cup was in the previous edition in 2015, when they finished second best to Australia.

When you talk of the Black Caps, the one thing that comes to mind is “bits and pieces” cricketers who collectively do well as a unit. But over the last couple of years, New Zealand have managed to find proper batsmen who have the technique to adapt to any kind of match situation.

If you have to do consistently well in any format of the game, the openers play a key role. New Zealand's openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro can be destructive and are certainly match winners on any given day.

In Kane Williamson, the 2015 runners-up possess one of the best modern day batsmen going around. Williamson usually plays the anchor role to perfection.

The middle order batsmen comprising of Ross Taylor and Tom Latham have the flexibility of playing the attacking or the defensive role according to the match situation. And the death overs hitting is taken care by the likes of Colin de Grandhomme and James Neesham.

#2 India

Australia v India - Game 2

The top 3 that comprises of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli is probably the best in world cricket right now. One of the reasons why India have been consistently winning in ODI cricket is because of the starts that they get in almost every game.

While Rohit takes some time to settle in, the left handed Shikhar Dhawan gives the early impetus. And then at No. 3 comes the best batsman across all formats in world cricket right now, Indian captain Virat Kohli.

With Ambati Rayudu more or less sealing the No. 4 spot, India have a batsman who’s busy at the crease and can complement the top 3 with fluent strokeplay in the middle overs.

Hardik Pandya could be the ‘o-to man to finish the innings on a high as he is capable of big hits against both pace and spin. If MS Dhoni finds his old rhythm and produces quick cameos, India could be doubly dangerous.

#1 England

England v Australia - 5th Royal London ODI

England’s outlook to batting in ODI cricket changed drastically after a poor 2015 World Cup. Not only did their mindset change, but there were also personnel changes which made it very clear that they were going to take an ultra positive route to revamping their 50-over strategy.

Cut to 2019, and England undoubtedly have the best batting line up in ODI cricket at the moment.

Yes, they lost the 2nd ODI against Windies chasing 290, but that looked like an aberration. Just one match earlier they did manage to chase down a mammoth 360 without breaking a sweat.

Like India, England’s opening combination of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow is well settled as they both complement each other. The former is usually the aggressor up front while Bairstow takes his time before he gets into 5th gear.

In Joe Root and Eoin Morgan, England have the stability in the middle order. And the fact that they are right and left handed makes it even more difficult for the opposition teams to contain them.

The batting just keeps coming with Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler at 5 and 6, and both have the ammunition to win matches on their own. With Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes down the order, England’s depth is one of the key reasons why they keep playing positively right through the 50 overs.