World Cup 2019: The veteran XI 

The time has arrived when the cricketing fraternity from around the world gathers to behold the grandest spectacle of cricket. The ICC ODI World Cup is the marquee tournament where we can get to witness the perfect blend of exuberant youth and experienced veterans both playing with the same kind of passion to lay their hands on cricket's most esteemed possession.

England has stamped its authority as the favorites by consistently clicking as a unit. They have established a fearless brand of cricket which pushes players to perform their best. Similarly, India has also been performing consistently and the Australian squad seems to have found its rhythm before the World Cup. Afghanistan, West Indies and Pakistan are known to churn out upsets. Hence, this World Cup proves to be the cynosure of the eyes.

Though the T20 format is grabbing more eyeballs of late, the ODI World Cup still remains cricket’s most prestigious and coveted trophy. The World Cup has often churned out new superstars, but it is the experience which counts, with the veterans having what it takes to shine in a high-pressure tournament.

This year too, some teams will be blessed to have the invaluable experience provided by the veterans, who may, after all, be playing their final World Cup. These players might have their final chance to leave behind a legacy for the future generation. Let's take a look at the best XI of cricketers playing their last World Cup.

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Openers

#1 Chris Gayle (West Indies) - 39 years

Chris Gayle has been in fabulous form of late.

The 'Universe Boss' is set to feature in his fifth and final World Cup this year. With Chris Gayle set to retire from the ODI format post the World Cup, the Jamican marauder will he be looking to pile on a lot of runs this time.

He has been in fabulous form of late, having accumulated 424 runs in five matches with an unbelievable average of 106.4 and a destructive strike rate of 134.18. He also set the record for most sixes in a series by sending the ball over the ropes 39 times. All the opposition bowlers must be wary of him, as he has promised to sign off in style.

#2 Hashim Amla (South Africa) - 36 years

Hashim Amla will be key at the top of the order

Hashim Amla is certainly not a power hitter of the ball but his flexible wrists allow him to play drives all around the ground with ease. One of the most stylish batsmen in the game, Amla's ability to construct an innings will be key for his side at the top of the order.

Amla averages 49.78 in ODI cricket and is in some good form, with a couple of good knocks in the warm-up games, Amla can be banked to produce a quality innings at the top of the order.

Middle order:

#3 Shaun Marsh (Australia) - 35 years

Shaun Marsh is in competition with Usman Khawaja for the lone remaining batting spot.

One of the veteran figures in Australia's batting unit, Shaun Marsh's consistency could be of vital importance in Australia's defence of the title. Though Marsh might start on the bench, he is likely to get a few games as the tournament is a long one. He would hope to have a good time in what is going to be his first and last World Cup.

#4 Ross Taylor (NZ) - 35 years

Taylor has been in unbelievable form of late.

Ross Taylor is one of the most important players for New Zealand this World Cup. He, along with Williamson is going to shoulder the batting responsibilities. He has been in unbelievable form of late. He has been averaging about 70 since the last World Cup at a strike rate above 90.

Though he has spoken about his desire to play the 2023 World Cup, it is highly improbable that he would continue at that age. Therefore, Taylor will hope to have a top show and lead New Zealand to their first World Cup title.

Wicket Keeper and Captain

#5 MS Dhoni (India) - 37 years

MS Dhoni has regained his form in the IPL.

MS Dhoni has won both the ODI World Cup and World T20 as a captain, and now he returns to play the showpiece event for the fourth and probably the final time, albeit as a player. While Doni's batting has seen a massive facelift in the recent past, his understanding of the game could well be a big plus for Virat Kohli on the field. Moreover, his quick glovework behind the stumps has resulted in breaking partnerships on mulptiple occasions and therefore he remains a big threat to the opposition.

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All-rounders:

#6 JP Duminy (South Africa) - 35 years

JP Duminy has just returned from an injury

JP Duminy is the kind of cricketer that every team would love to accommodate. He can play the role of an anchor or go out and switch gears at will. Apart from his batting credentials, Duminy can also contribute with some crafty spin. With an ability to soak in the pressure, the southpaw's experience could be of top importance to South Africa in crunch situations.

#7 Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) - 37 years

Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik is the rare kind of cricketer that has played at multiple positions in the batting order for Pakistan. A multi-faceted batsman, Malik's gift of playing a matured innings or going big makes him an important cog for his team while his off-spin has at times put a tight lid on the scoring as well.

Malik has been playing ODIs for Pakistan since 1999 as a 17-year prodigy and as he steps into the field for his final World Cup appearance, his form will certainly bear great influence over the position Pakistan finish this time.

Bowlers

#8 Imran Tahir (South Africa) - 40 years

Imran Tahir's exuberance has been a standout

One of the oldest players to feature in the World Cup, at the age of 40, Imran Tahir is South Africa's most potent weapon. Always one for big celebrations, Tahir is a player with a desire to continually succeed in the international circuit.

With a mixed bag of tricks and a good cricketing brain, he is expected to be South Africa's lead spinner and wrecker-in-chief in the middle overs. While it could be understood that this World Cup would be his last in South African colours, he would be keen to make a final impact.

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Pacers:

#9 Mashrafe Mortaza (Bangladesh) - 35 years

Mashrafe will lead Bangladesh's challenge this WC.

Mashrafe Mortaza's career has always been bogged down by injuries. Yet, his credentials make him one of the best candidates to lead Bangaldesh in this World Cup. He has been an influential captain, who has helped Bangladesh reach to the highest level of cricket. Though his pace has gone down, Mortaza's variations while bowling make him a shrewd and wily bowler.

#10 Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) - 35 years

Lasith Malinga was recently sacked of captaincy duties before the WC.

The Sri Lankan cricket is in a state of turmoil. Having juggled a lot of captains, they have finally asked Dimuth Karunaratne, who last played an ODI in 2015 to lead the side. However, the one lone shining spot for them is the resurgence of Lasith Malinga.

Though he has lost pace, he still has the ability to bowl toe-crunching yorkers. The ability to sustain pressure will also come handy as Sri Lanka will be fielding a relatively inexperienced side. Bringing in confidence from the IPL victory, Malinga will be hoping to lead the bowling unit from the front.

#11 Dale Steyn (South Africa) - 35 years

Dale Steyn will miss the opening game due to injury.

Dale Steyn is one of the most feared fast bowlers. He has the ability to ball at tremendous speed and can also swing the ball both ways. With the horrors of the 2015 World Cup in the past, Steyn will be up for the challenge and will look to partner Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi in the pace department.

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12th man: Mohammed Hafeez (Pakistan)

Age- 38 years

Mohammed Hafeez can fit into any role that the team management asks him to perform. He can open the innings, play as an middle-order batsman or chip in with 10 overs. Hence, he seems to be the perfect bet as the 12th man.