ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Probable first choice XI for all teams

#2 South Africa

The Proteas do not start as favorites, but should not be taken lightly

The Proteas, after a very long time, do not enter the World Cup as favorites. Much of it has to do with the retirement of the ever-reliable AB de Villiers. However, despite the absence of the legend, the South African team has been able to find its feet. The squad still has enough firepower to go the distance.

Markram will have an important role to play at number three. There might be a toss-up between Rassie van de Dussen and Andile Phehlukwayo for the number seven slot, and even Chris Morris might get a nod if they want to make the side bowling-heavy.

Probable playing XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (C), JP Duminy, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir

#3 Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will rely heavily on their experienced players like Mathews and Malinga

Sri Lanka are probably the side with the least expectations this World Cup. Their skipper last played an ODI in the 2015 World Cup. Experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, and Akila Dananjaya have been dropped.

Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis hold the key in batting, while the pace bowling department looks quite sorted with Malinga, Lakmal, and Pradeep. Vandersay might get the lead spinner's role, assisted by all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva.

Probable playing XI: Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Perera (WK), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga