ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Ranking the batsmen of the 10 teams

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is set to get underway from May 30 and the teams have been in full preparation to get their squads and selections right for the tournament. The IPL has been preponed to give players time to recover before the World Cup but most teams want their players back before May 1 and this may very well dent the popularity of this year's edition.

With the World Cup being held in England, one thing which is quintessential for each team will be their batting lineup. In such a big tournament like this, consistency will be key, especially from the top order.

In this segment, we will rank the batsmen of the top 10 teams.

Note: Players batting at No.1, 2, 3 and 4 have been considered as top order batsmen

---

#10 Afghanistan

Afghanistan's rise in limited overs' cricket in the past few years has been tremendous to watch and them qualifying for the World Cup is good news for cricket fans. They last played an ODI game in September 2018 and have been training for the World Cup ever since.

Their spin attack is certainly one of the best but otherwise, they don't have many players who stand out. While their middle order can hang in, their top order of batsmen aren't in that league of top batsmen.

Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammed Shahzad have been getting some action in T20 leagues but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to survive the tough competition of the World Cup. Hasmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah are good batsmen but Afghanistan will have to perform miracles if they want to convince others that their batting order is a strong one.

#9- West Indies

West Indies v Ireland - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

The West Indies have a lot of problems in their side and their top order is one of them. Shai Hope and Darren Bravo seem to be the only stable players in the team and even their fragility was proved when Bangladesh beat them. Kieran Powell as an opener looks like a doubtful starter while Shai Hope must open in order to accommodate Marlon Samuels in the team.

Despite having experienced names in the side, the West Indies batting order haven't proved themselves in testing circumstances and when compared with other teams, they stand below them in the rankings. Shai Hope will be one to watch out for but they need to prove themselves in the ongoing series against England where they will play 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is.

---

#8 Bangladesh

2nd Momentum ODI: South Africa v Bangladesh

Bangladesh's top order seems to have set back into shape following Tamim Iqbal's return from injury, but the top order looks weaker when compared to that of the other teams. Liton Das' form as an opener seriously worries fans and whether he will be able to survive the fierce competitive environment of the World Cup is a big question.

Tamim is a world class player and so is Mushfiqur Rahim. Imrul Kayes at no.3 hasn't done much to convince people that he is the man for that spot and despite having many match winners in the side, Bangladesh are going to start as underdogs.

#7- Sri Lanka

Niroshan Dickwell and Danushka Gunathilaka

The Sri Lankan top order is relatively new but the good thing is that they have fired in all conditions and on most tours that they've been on. Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Perera have impressed a lot and Danushka Gunathilaka seems to be settling into the spot of the opener. Dinesh Chandmal can then slot in at No.4, anchoring the innings or playing the attacking game as well.

If they want to play an extra batsman, they can play Kusal Mendis at No.4 which means that Chandimal will be pushed down to No.5 which he has been doing for a while. Though they aren't too experienced or big names, these players are in form and Sri Lanka will hope that their performance might at least give them an outside chance as contenders for the trophy.

---

#6 Australia

Australia v India - ODI: Game 2

The Australian top order has had tough times in the last year but their team will surely be bolstered by David Warner and Steve Smith's return for the World Cup. Aaron Finch will most probably open the batting with Warner and either Usman Khawaja or Shaun Marsh set to follow. If Smith makes a return, the side will probably drop someone like Peter Handscomb, which would alter the team balance from what it has been for the last few months.

Plus, the added fact that both these players haven't played international-level cricket for the past year doesn't give the sharpness to the batting order. All things considered, Australia will certainly be favorites if the comeback players play well but otherwise, they will be no different from other teams.

#5 South Africa

Quinton De Kock and Faf Du Plessis

The South African top order has seen some change with the possible axing of Hashim Amla whose place is now being occupied by newcomer Reeza Hendricks. De Kock has been in sublime form and Aiden Markram has been ever dependable. Faf du Plessis has been good too and the only concern will be the lack of an experienced head like Amla.

With no AB de Villiers, their batting order seems like it lacked the crunch in the middle order but David Miller's spectacular return to form has boosted their confidence and with a terrific bowling lineup, South Africa will be a team to watch out for at the World Cup.

---

#4 New Zealand

New Zealand v Sri Lanka - ODI Game 3

New Zealand's top order has been in terrific form as Kane Williamson's men are slowly garnering praise and attention to their great performances in all formats of the game. Martin Guptill has been in great form and his spectacular record in ICC tournaments will be another positive thing for the Kiwis. Colin Munro has made a return to the ODI side as an opener and is slowly settling into place. His lack of experience in such big tournaments will be the only concern for New Zealand.

As for No.3 and No.4, Kane Willamson and Ross Taylor have been simply outstanding and have been consistent and ever reliable. New Zealand will have a really big chance to win this edition of the World Cup, having made it to the finals last time.

#3 Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam

Pakistan's top order looks the most improved since the last World Cup and they actually look much better than some of the title favorites. Fakhar Zaman, who won Pakistan the ICC Champions Trophy, along with opener Imam ul Haq, have made life a living hell for opposition bowlers. Babar Azam has been excellent at No.3, outperforming his rivals like Joe Root or Williamson and is second only to Virat Kohli.

Either Mohhamed Hafeez or Shoaib Malik can slot in at No.4 and both of them have seen a great run of games. They will want to pose a serious challenge and if they could address the small issue in their middle order, Pakistan can really make it big this World Cup.

---

#2 England

England ODI side

England's form in ODIs in the last couple of years has been brilliant and their cricket has been highly entertaining. One main reason has been the form of their batsmen which has been outstanding. Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy have forged a brilliant opening partnership with Alex Hales as a backup. Joe Root has been highly consistent and has always kept the scoreboard ticking.

Eoin Morgan has acted the finisher when required but has also played responsible knocks. The fact that each of the batsmen in the top 4 average more than 37 in their career and Bairstow's and root's average are close to 50 is great news for England. They will be the biggest favorites to win the World Cup.

#1 India

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

India's top order is clearly the best of all the teams in the World Cup and 3 of their top 4 rank in the Top 10 in the ICC Batsmen' Rankings. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan's brilliant opening partnership will be key for India and their love affair for ICC tournaments is most likely to continue at this World Cup as well. They have some backup in KL Rahul or Ambati Rayudu who can also open the batting.

If they get going, India are most likely to win the match and even if one of them falter, the world's best batsman currently, Virat Kohli, will be there to carry the innings forward. Kohli's recent numbers have made people wonder how he bats this well.

With an average of about 133 in ODIs in 2018, Kohli has truly been the run machine and he will be India's most important player at the World Cup. There has been uncertainty over their No.4 spot but either Dhoni or Rayudu can stabilize that spot and there is enough backup for all positions. India have a great chance to lift the World Cup for the 3rd time.