As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 draws closer and closer, the debate of pre-tournament favorite is rising with every passing day. India and England are in red-hot form leading into the World Cup but no one can tell which team will leave England with the trophy in hand. The tournament is scheduled to kick off from May 30 with the opening match will see England and South Africa lock horns.
Meanwhile, former Australia leg spinner Shane Warne has come up with another team, which has the potential to lift the World Cup trophy. That side is the perennial underdogs New Zealand, who is ranked number three in the current ICC ODI men’s team rankings.
Also Read: Michael Clarke says the most fearless team will win the WC
Warne mention Kane Williamson-led team will do exceptionally well in the tournament. However, he mentioned that New Zealand will miss their charismatic opener Brendon McCullum, who led them to the finals of World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand. They eventually fell short against Australia in the final at MCG and ended up as the second-best team.
Warne told the Herald, “Obviously they’re going to miss Brendon [McCullum]. I mean Baz is such a great leader and he’s such a great player, so they’re going to miss him. But you know they’ve got some good players there at the moment. They’re always dangerous. [New Zealand] always do well in big ICC events and World Cups. They’re always there or thereabouts. So write them off at your own peril. But I think England and India are the two favorites going into it.”
The 49-year-old went on to share that New Zealand has a good balance when it comes to team combination. No one focuses on them and they always do well at the World Cup, which tells their ability to play at the highest level. Since everyone is talking about other teams, Kiwis are able to do wonders.
Also Read: Shane Warne comments on Kohli-Tendulkar comparison
Warne also praised the rich cricketing rivalry between Australia and New Zealand. The battle between both nations is called ‘Trans-Tasman’.
