5 most awaited series of 2019

2018 was a year full of drama, emotions and some fantastic cricket. A number of records were broken and new records were made in a year that witnessed quality cricket that left the spectators and fans awestruck. 2019 promises the same and a lot more.

Due to all the T20 leagues in different parts of the World, there is no shortage of cricket action. Apart from that the teams participate in bilateral series.

However, all eyes will be the ODI World Cup and the long-awaited Test Championship. Also, keeping in mind the fact that the World Cup will begin in May, the ODI series in the first half of the year will become crucial as teams will be in the final phase of the preparations for the marquee tournament.

ICC's ambitious project, Test Championship, will commence right after the World Cup. With so many exciting series scheduled in 2019, there is no doubt that this year is going to be a cricket fan's delight. We will look at the 5 most awaited series of 2019.

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#5 India vs Australia ODI series

We can expect some fireworks whenever India face Australia

Australia will tour India in February for a five-match ODI series followed by the two-match T20 series.

The ODI series will be extremely crucial for both the sides. Even though Zimbabwe are scheduled to play a series in March, due to the early start of IPL, there are serious doubts about the tour, which means the series against Australia might be India's last ODI series before the World Cup.

Team India has been performing brilliantly in ODIs, but they will look to finalise their final squad for the World Cup. On the other hand, Australia have struggled after the bans on David Warner and Steve Smith. They will be desperate to carry some sort of winning momentum in the World Cup by beating the Indians in their own backyard.

#4 India vs South Africa Test series

Can India defeat South Africa?

The three-match Test series between India and South Africa was one of the highlights of 2018. The hard-fought series was won by the hosts 2-1, but team India gave the Proteas a huge scare in all the matches. The two teams will lock horns once again in October with South Africa scheduled to play a three-match Test series in India. The last time South Africa toured India, Team India won the four-match Test series 3-0 comprehensively.

The South African team will have its task cut out as the Indian team, under Virat Kohli, has looked unbeatable in home conditions. Also, the fact that AB de Villiers, who has an outstanding record playing in India, won't be around, will make things difficult for the Proteas.

This series will be part of the World Championship which will encourage both the teams to give their best and produce some magnificent cricket.

#3 IPL 2019

Dhoni hitting the ball out of the ground

IPL is one of the most successful franchise-based T20 leagues in the world. The tournament's popularity has reached new heights over the years. IPL 2018 saw two of the most followed franchises, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, making a grand comeback to the cash-rich league. While CSK played some stunning cricket to lift the trophy for the third time, Royals continued playing in their own style and defeated the heavyweights to reach the playoffs.

The 12th edition of the tournament will be different in a lot of ways. Uncertainty is looming over the location of the IPL 2019 due to the general elections of India. Also, due to the narrow gap between the World Cup and IPL, most of the overseas players and some of the Indian players will miss a major part of the tournament. It will be interesting to see how teams cope with the unavailability of these big-ticket players.

#2 The Ashes

England will look to regain Ashes in 2019

Ashes series embarks the fierce rivalry between two of greatest cricketing powers of World cricket, Australia and England. England and Australia will resume this rivalry in Ashes 2019. The Kangaroos thrashed England earlier this year 4-0 to regain the trophy.

However, things have changed since then. While England has grown by leaps and bounds this year, Australia has suffered heavily due to the absence of Smith and Warner. Both these players will surely be part of the Australian squad that will travel to England looking to retain Ashes, but their performance after a long layoff will be keenly observed by many.

Also, the series will be hosted by England and England has been a team that is extremely difficult to beat in home conditions. However, strange things have happened in the sport of cricket, and in Ashes especially, in the past and both the teams will fancy their chance to get their hands on the Urn.

#1 ICC Cricket World Cup

Australia won the tournament in 2015

Undoubtedly, the biggest tournament of 2019 will be the ICC Cricket World Cup. The tournament has a glorious history where every team gives it's best shot to win the trophy. Some of the best cricketing moments in the history of cricket have happened in the World Cup.

There is a change in the format of the tournament from the previous editions as all the ten qualified teams will play each other in a round robin format with the top four teams processing to the semi-finals. The event will be hosted by England, who are also the favourites, along with India, to win the coveted title.

It will commence from 30th of May when South Africa will take on the hosts, England, at the Oval. Team India will begin their campaign on the 5th of June against South Africa. The final of the tournament will be played at the historic ground of Lords on the 14th of July which will decide the winner of the 12th edition of the Cricket World Cup.