ICC World Cup 2019: Strongest combined XI before the tournament

Middle Order

#3 Virat Kohli (C) (India)

Virat Kohli has been reigning supreme in the ODI format

Arguably the greatest ODI cricketer of the modern era, Virat Kohli's name on the list should not come as a surprise. Possessing an incredible ability to score runs all around the globe, the Indian skipper would be one of the biggest threats to any bowling units. After finishing 2018 as the highest scorer in ODIs, Kohli has had a superb run in 2019 thus far.

Currently standing as the third highest run-getter this year, the No. 1 ranked batsman in ODIs would be itching to extend his purple patch at the World's biggest cricketing tournament as well.

#4 Joe Root (England)

West Indies v England - 1st One Day International

A solid component of England's middle order across all formats, Joe Root will once again hold the key for the hosts in this year's World Cup. Root is currently rated as the sixth best batsman in ODIs, which largely owes to his brilliant run of form in 2018. The 28-year-old stood as the fourth highest run-maker in the previous year and was instrumental in helping England collect numerous victories in the 50-over format.

Also, his wonderful record at home makes him one of the strongest competitors to take the field in the coming months.

#5 Ross Taylor (New Zealand)

Ross Taylor has been in terrific touch of late

The veteran New Zealand cricketer has been in red hot form over the past few years. After closing 2018 as the fifth highest run-scorer in ODIs, Taylor has teed off in 2019 as well. With 593 runs in 11 games, at an astounding average of 74.12, the New Zealander has been in top form leading up to the mega tournament in England.

Notably, the year 2019 may mark the last World Cup appearance of Ross Taylor and the 35-year-old will be determined to make it count in a big way.

#6 Jos Buttler (WK) (England)

Jos Buttler is a force to reckon with down the order

One of the cleanest strikers of the cricket ball going around, Jos Buttler has been an inevitable component of England's redemption post their 2015 World Cup debacle. Equipped with a fantastic ability to turn on the heat right from his first ball, Buttler is perfectly capable of winning games single-handedly and his recent 150 off 77 balls against the Windies is a roaring testimony of this very fact.

A 360 degrees batsman who can give nightmares to any fielding captain, Buttler is also a bankable asset with gloves behind the stumps.