ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Shane Warne predicts the winner of the prestigious tournament

What's the story?

The legendary wrist-spinner, Shane Warne in a recent interview with Hindustan Times admitted that India and England are the favorites to win the World Cup. However, he believes that Australia has enough confidence and firepower to defend their title in the upcoming mega event.

In case you didn't know

Australia beat India in the recently concluded five-match ODI series 3-2 which was played in India. This win would be a great morale booster for the country which has won most World Cups in history.

Also, the return of Steve Smith and Shane Warne into the side will strengthen their side even further. Shane Warne had earlier predicted that David Warner will win the player of the tournament in World cup as he believes the southpaw's hunger for runs must have increased after staying out of the game due to his 1-year ban.

Heart of the matter

Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne is overjoyed with the success of the Australian team in the ODI series against India. While he admitted that India and England are the favourites, Australia can also forge a challenge in the biggest cricket tournament.

Warne pointed that the defending champions have the ability to raise their game in the big tournaments. The leg-spinner further added that chasing 360 against India without Smith and Warner shows that this team can do anything.

"India and England have to be the favorites. They’ve played great cricket over the last 12 months. But Australia has won four out of the last six World Cups. They won the last one in England (in 1999), they love big tournaments.

They’ve got (Steve) Smith and (David) Warner coming back who are hungry and determined. They chased down 360 without Smith and Warner. I think Australia will win the World Cup.

They’ve finally found their belief that they can win from anywhere. Australia will win the World Cup but India and England go in as favorites." Shane Warne was quoted by Hindustan Times

What's next?

Australia is the most successful team in the history of the World Cup. While they have struggled in the last 12 months, the impending return of Smith and Warner, along with confidence gained from this series win in India has put them in good position.