Former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs considers that India and hosts England as the two strong contenders to lift the coveted ICC World Cup trophy. The tournament is scheduled to commence on May 30.
On Monday, Gibbs said, “It is always wide open. The two standout contenders will be England and India. But, who is going to make the other two places for the semi-finals? It is difficult to say. A lot depends on the weather in England. The bowling attacks will all play a part (in the tournament).”
The fiery opener was speaking at a promotional event of OTT video service operator ‘Viu’, which announced the launch of ‘IB Cricket Super Over League’. When inquired about South Africa’s chances, Gibbs said that it is not about AB de Villiers’ absence that will hurt the team but more so about the lack of quality all-rounder.
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Gibbs explained, “We (South Africa) are always up there irrespective of ABD. We have got Faf (Du Plessis) and Quinton de Kock. The only issue for South Africa is not having an all-rounder.”
Recently, ICC chairman Shashank Manohar expressed his concerns about Test cricket’s future but Gibbs has a difference of opinion.
The dashing right-hander said, “Test cricket is (still going) strong. I don’t know why people say you need to revive it? I am a big fan of Test cricket finishing in four days. It need not go on for a full five days. The batsmen around the world get it easy in ODIs and T20Is. If they need to fight on sporting tracks in Test cricket, so be it. Sometimes the game finishes in two days when the pitch is offering turn. I don’t mind that.”
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He further added, “It should not have to go for all five days. It is important that a batsman’s technique gets tested all the time. The bowlers, they also have something in it, to get their confidence going. They don’t get it from T20s or ODIs because flat decks are on offer.”
The event at the suburban Goregoan was also attended by former cricketers VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Brendon McCullum along with current players like Prithvi Shaw and Shubhman Gill.
