With the ODI World Cup 2023 set to begin on October 5, the England player Stuart Board picks India as the favorite in the upcoming tournament in India.
Stuart Broad picks India as favorites in World Cup
England will be clear on defending their title in the World Cup 2023 which is scheduled to be hosted by India. The warmup match between India and England on September 30 at Barsapara Stadium resulted in a tie and they will be playing the second and final warm-up games against Bangladesh on October 2 at Barsapara Stadium.
With the England squad announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup on September 17, Stuart Broad was not included in the squad. On this occasion, Stuart Broad reveals his favorites in the upcoming tournament in India. He has faith in England’s team but he fears the Indian team led by Rohit Sharma. He said that it would be tough for England if they put their A-game on the table.
“If England manages to retain their World Cup title, it will be a phenomenal effort but my overriding feeling is that if India plays their perfect tournament, they are going to be very difficult to stop. Jos Buttler certainly has the team to challenge, one with the ability to post high totals, but I just think India, as hosts and the top-ranked ODI side, will be a hugely difficult proposition,” said Broad.
“Contrast to England. Without sounding like I am giving them excuses, they have got a pretty tough draw, to be honest. They do not play two games in the same location, instead travelling from city to city. Others have the luxury of being able to book in somewhere for a week and play two games. They do not,” the former England pacer said.
He also revealed his suggestions for who would advance to the semi-finals. He said Pakistan and India will move to the semifinals along with India and picked up New Zealand over Australia.
As for the other semi-finalists? Pakistan will be a threat. Their bowling is full of natural wicket-takers and is their huge strength. In players like Babar Azam, they have some high-quality batters but Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi can blow opponents away,” Broad said.
“I’d then probably say New Zealand over Australia. Why? Because New Zealand is the ultimate tournament team. Put their team sheets next to each other and you’d always lean towards the Aussies with Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, but New Zealand just find a way,” he concluded.
On completing their warm-up games, England will be playing their first match in the World Cup 2023 against New Zealand on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium.
