ICC World Cup 2019 | Nobody will be surprised if India win, says Brian Lara

India have been on a roll in ODI cricket for the past couple of years. India started 2018 with a comprehensive victory in South Africa and even went on to win the historic series in Australia and New Zealand. The number two ranked team did suffer to a shock defeat against Australia at home but that does not take away their favourites tag. Even legendary cricketer Brian Lara feels that India are strong contenders for the World Cup.

“Nobody will be surprised if India becomes the champions. They have been doing well in different conditions. India have a very balanced team. It will not be an upset if they win the Cup. No doubt India are very strong,” he said, reported Cricbuzz.

West Indies have tried to iron out the issues between the board and the players after a change in the management and have gone ahead with a full strength team for the showpiece event. West Indies have won two World T20s and are the reigning champions in the format. The former West Indian batsman, who holds the record for the highest ever score in international cricket, hoped that the team stretches their performance in the shortest format to one-dayers as well.

“I hope so. Why not? West Indies now have exciting cricketers. They did well in the T20 format. Now they have to stretch it for 50 overs. Our cricketers are in top form. They have to keep their cool and should try to concentrate for consistency. They should target to reach the semifinals first. Then they take fresh guard,” explained the 50-year-old.

England possesses the biggest hitters of the game and have been in fine touch in the recent years. The top-ranked side will be entering the showpiece event on the back of a 4-0 win against Pakistan and Lara feels that they are one among the title contenders.

“I don't know whether they are favourites or not but they are definitely one of the contenders. Any host nation will try to become champion in any sport. Naturally, England will also try to give their best shot and take away the Cup. We have to remember that although the tournament started in 1975, they have never won a World Cup title. They will try this time like never before and to be honest, they have got a very good side.

"When I look back, England have also done well in World Cups but it's just that they couldn't win it. This time England will try seriously to cross the boundary. If you go through the team, even their critics will agree that they have got fantastic cricketers in all the departments. They have really organized themselves recently,” asserted the former skipper.

Australia stuttered for the major part of the year post the ban on the former captain Steve Smith and former vice-captain David Warner, however, they have come back strongly to hand defeats to India and Pakistan at their respective home turfs. The banned duo will now make a return in the ten-nation tournament and as pointed out by Lara, the Kangaroos will look to strongly defend their title.

“The return of Warner and Smith will definitely strengthen their team. In our time Australia really dominated in World Cup, but the current team is not as strong as in 1999 or 2003. But don't forget, they are the defending champions. They will definitely try to rise to the occasion,” he signed off.