ICC World Cup 2019: The Favourites 

The ICC World Cup 2019 is the most open World Cup in cricketing history, with no clear favourites - contested in a format that is punishing and rewarding at the same time. No match is a stroll in the park. There are no freebies. No room for an off-day. The round robin in all probability will make every contest a must win, progressing further into the tournament. The pressure will be cranked up pretty quickly as high profile, volatile matches are littered all over the itinerary. Any team lacking in resilience and versatility will be found out and only the best will have a shot at making the semi-finals.

Here's looking at the countries that start off as favourites on the back of their performances over the past year and the artillery they bring to this dogfight.

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England

Co-hosts England have been the leading ODI team for the last 2 years

This English squad seems like it has been specifically built to conquer the World Cup at home after the humiliating exit in 2015. They field a string of swashbuckling batsmen, a surfeit of multi-skilled all-rounders, canny pacers, and none of them is a mug with the bat. When they turn up with every cog of the machine in tune, one-day cricket becomes scarily easy for them.

They are a side to be feared and are the Goliath the others will relish slaying. The last two editions have been won by the co-hosts, and with home advantage, England is a serious contender. The omens, coincidences and form look good. This is their best chance of becoming world champions since 1992, where they lost their third consecutive World Cup final.

Current ICC Ranking 1

Captain: Eoin Morgan | Key Players: Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow

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India

India has at least made the semi-finals in the last 2 editions

The Indian side always delivers at the marquee ICC events with deep runs into the tournaments. This time, they are top-heavy and the tail does not wag. If it swings early on, there's going to be trouble. Yet, when the situation demands a timely and timeless innings, India’s number 3 is best there has ever been. Hopefully, they are prepared in case he doesn’t.

If the wrist spinners are decoded and carted around (like in the IPL), India’s fairly unique ability to pick wickets in the middle overs goes up into smoke. It is not a perfect side, but it's a difficult one to beat. Plus, India is also the only side with the sagacious, tactical nous of ODI cricket’s canniest wicketkeeper. Less talented sides have won the World Cup than this Indian unit.

Could it all align for them? Quite possibly, yes.

Current ICC Ranking 2

Captain: Virat Kohli | Key Players: Jaspreet Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mahendra Singh Dhoni

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South Africa

South Africa has a running underachieving theme in the World Cups

The South African DNA is coded with great fielding, exceptional all-round skills, and a propensity to choke. Somehow, circumstances have conspired against them. If not, they themselves have comically or tragically bungled World Cup campaigns. Interestingly, perhaps for the first time since 1996, the Proteas enter the World Cup as not the hot favourites, yet they are in the top 5.

Their batting line-up without AB de Villiers is suspect and prone to wrist spin bowling, as seen by their 1-5 demolition at home by India earlier in 2019. But a pace line-up of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Dale Steyn, offers a glimmer of hope - that they will finally win and shed the dreaded tag of the ‘C’ word. The expectations are lower than before, and that just might help.

Current ICC Ranking 3

Captain: Faf du Plessis | Key Players: Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir

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New Zealand

The Kiwis have had two near misses in 1992 and 2015 World Cups

New Zealand will turn up with an extremely well-balanced side. They bat aggressively, bowl with zing, and field with accuracy. Skipper Kane Williamson is one of the most cool-headed and astute captains currently leading a band of men. Additionally, the Kiwi pitches recently have been close equivalents to the decks in England.

They are one of the 3 favourites in this list to have never won the World Cup; stumbling at the final hurdle against Australia in 2015. With Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee coming in to bat in the lower order, New Zealand bat really deep. That they have played fewer ODIs as compared to the leading teams has helped them keep their strategy and trump cards close to the chest.

Current ICC Ranking 4

Captain: Kane Williamson | Key Players: Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham, Colin de Grandhomme

Australia

Australia are not at their most intimidating but are lethal

A string of just three consecutive wins holds a team in good stead for the semis. The thing they lack the most is a pro-active captain in the mould of Michael Clarke. However, Australia has serendipitously discovered new key personnel because of the infamous Sandpaper controversy that shook their establishment and fans.

The returning Steve Smith and David Warner have already run into superlative form, which makes the Aussies a very dangerous side. The bowling attack is very capable, but not as effective in the middle overs. It is an unsung, motley group from Down Under this time, who seem less threatening because they have not played enough together for a sustained period of time. That illusion is an asset going into any tournament.

Current ICC Ranking 5

Captain: Aaron Finch | Key Players: David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith