Currently ranked 1st on the ICC ODI rankings, the hosts will be looking to utilize the home crowds and familiarity with the conditions to go all the way. However, if there is one cricketing nation that can relate to South Africa’s long history of World Cup woes, it is England. The hosts have lost three finals and have never won the ODI trophy. This year, they have a relatively stronger side than previous World Cups but will have the pressure of being the hosts and being the favorites. England has a strong batting line-up but their bowling has been their weakness.
Recent Form: WLWWW
Last Completed ODI series: (Won 4-0) vs Pakistan
Best World Cup Finish: Runner-ups (1979, 1987, 1992)
Predicted Finish: Champions
Fixtures:
[event_list id=”undefined” title=”” team=”0″ league=”0″ season=”0″ venue=”0″ status=”default” format=”default” date=”0″ date_from=”default” date_to=”default” date_past=”” date_future=”” date_relative=”0″ day=”” number=”10″ order=”default” columns=”event,teams,time,venue,article” show_all_events_link=”0″ align=”none”]Batsman to Watch: Jos Butler
[player_details id=”15962″ align=”none”]Butler is the definition of aggressive cricket with a career strike rate of 120 if the top-order has laid a solid foundation Butler can take the game away from the opposition very quickly. The 28-year-old can play shots all around the ground and has often proved difficult for bowlers with his unorthodox shots
Bowler to Watch: Adil Rashid
[player_details id=”15966″ align=”none”]Rashid is the only English player ranked in the top 10 of the ICC ODI rankings. The leg spinner has been crucial in the middle over be it with slowing down the run-rate or breaking partnerships.
England will play the 2019 World Cup opener against South Africa in Kennington at the Kia Oval on 30 of May in search of their maiden ODI World Cup trophy.
