India and England start as favourites in World Cup, believes VVS Laxman
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VVS Laxman has picked India and hosts England as favourites to win the 2019 Cricket World Cup which will kick off from May 30. The former middle-order batsman also congratulated the Indian team as the Men in Blue defeated Australia 2-1 and crushed New Zealand 4-1 in two consecutive away ODI series.
World Cup 2019 is already knocking at the door and the predictions on the tournament are flying in from all parts of the world. Former India batsman VVS Laxman, on Wednesday, said that Virat Kohli and Co. are peaking at the right time after their historic triumphs in Australia and New Zealand. He also said that India and England will start as favourites for the high-voltage tournament.
"It's all about peaking at the right time which is so important. The World Cup is a long format so every player should be at his best physically and mentally if India has to win the World Cup. They start as favourites. For me, India and England start as favourites," Laxman told reporters on the sidelines of Bengal's Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament preparations, reported IANS.
The World Cup will be kicking off in England from May 30 and India will face South Africa in their opening game on June 5 in Southampton. After defeating both Australia and New Zealand in away tours, India will now take on Australia at home in five ODIs and two T20s starting on February 24.
"I think brilliant. The way they played, I would like to congratulate the entire team, The way they played right from the Australia series to the New Zealand series... and it's not only one or two players who have put their hand up. Everyone has contributed. So it's great to see bowling and batting departments contribute," added an impressed Laxman.
The 44-year old is the batting consultant of the Bengal team and is also a part of Cricket Association of Bengal's Vision 2020 programme. While talking about the Bengal team which failed to make the final at home last season after finishing third in the Super League Group B of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Laxman said: "The preparation has been really good. We had a lot of match simulation. In T20 cricket, better than nets is match simulation. It has been a very realistic practice. We played a couple of games too."
"I am disappointed that they did not qualify but the potential of the side is to go on and win the Ranji Trophy. Arun has always been someone who is mentally tough and he will inspire the team. He is a great asset to the team.”
