The ICC World Cup is around the corner and nearly all the teams have reached England to play their warm-up games and prepare for the mega event. The host England is no less than the other team as they recently won the five-match One Day International series against Pakistan by 4-0 where the first game was abandoned. However, former captain Michael Vaughan believes that in-form England could break the jinx in the ODI World Cup and are able to win the title as well.
“It’s the best opportunity in my time for England – I remember 1992 as a youngster, watching that final at college,” Vaughan was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. “They got to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy two years ago but didn’t get over the line on that occasion. They’ve got to see that as a real positive experience and if they get into the semis again, play smart cricket,” he added.
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He also added that this 15-member World Cup squad is the best he has ever seen.
“This England squad is the best I’ve seen. They have earned the right to be favourites,” Vaughan said after England announced the squad. “I think we’re in for a special World Cup – world-class players, world-class teams – and I think England will be right at the heart of it,” he expressed.
However, England have reached the World Cup final of ODI-format three times earlier – 1979, 1987 and 1992, but failed to win a single time. This time they have included new sensation in pace bowling, Jofra Archer in the squad in place of David Willey. Willey was in England’s provisional squad whereas Archer wasn’t. Same as Joe Denly was included in the provisional squad but failed to make it to the final one and Hampshire off-spinner Liam Dawson has been named in his place.
“I feel for Willey, he hasn’t really let England down, but it’s the nature of international sport that you have to be ruthless,” Vaughan said. “You have to pick who you feel is the right 15 and I feel they’ve got it right.”
Also read: Adam Gilchrist considers Australia favourites in the World Cup
The mega event will take place from May 30 where the host, England will take on South Africa in Kennington Oval, London on the inauguration day.
