2023 Cricket World Cup Outright Favourites

The 2023 Cricket World Cup is upon us, with the action set to get underway on the 5th of October, when the defending champions England square off against New Zealand in a mouth-watering clash. We look at the outright favourites for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, with hosts India heading into the showpiece as the favourites.

India (3.10)

The hosts have set an impressive standard leading up to the tournament, notably achieving their biggest-ever victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup and winning the competition. With world-class players and the emergence of Shubman Gill, one of the most exciting young batsmen in the competition, they appear to be in excellent form.

India looked a cut above their regional competitors in the Asia Cup, and the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah will be vital. His exceptional performance across different phases of the game sets India apart from the rest of the competition.

England (4.00)

England recently beat New Zealand 3-1 in a four-match ODI series, which will boost their confidence ahead of their opener against the Black Caps. The recent displays from players like Liam Livingstone and Ben Stokes are certainly encouraging. However, stalwarts of the ODI format like Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow have been severely lacking in ODI action. Additionally, the absence of Jofra Archer and a top-notch backup for Adil Rashid means that their bowling attack doesn’t possess the same potency it once did four years ago.

Nonetheless, England’s biggest advantage lies in the tournament’s format, which allows them the luxury of finding their rhythm during the competition itself rather than before it. The extended duration of the tournament provides them with the opportunity to gradually hit their stride and peak when it matters most. They will be India biggest rivals to win this year’s showpiece.

Australia (5.50)

The Aussies recently suffered a 3-2 series defeat to the Proteas but will be boosted with the return of some key players ahead of the tournament.

The Australian team boasts a wealth of experience without being past their prime. Travis Head, with his aggressive batting at the top order and underappreciated off-spin skills, is a newcomer to the World Cup scene but possesses the potential to make a substantial impact. His inclusion adds depth and dynamism to an already formidable Australian lineup.

Pakistan (7.50)

The resounding defeat against India served as a reminder, but overall, Pakistan’s entry into the tournament has been relatively smooth. Their top four batsmen are among the finest in the competition, and the trio of pace bowlers – Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf presents a formidable challenge to the opposition.

However, Pakistan’s success will hinge significantly on the performance of their lower middle-order spin-bowling all-rounders. Their ability to contribute effectively with both bat and ball will play a crucial role in defining Pakistan’s level of success in the tournament.

South Africa (10.00)

South Africa possesses a strong and formidable squad on paper, with players like Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen showing significant improvement in the format in recent times. They’ll be heading into the tournament brimming with confidence after their come-from-behind 3-2 series win over Australia.

They have, however, suffered two major setbacks with the news that fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.

One area where South Africa may face challenges is in the availability of high-class all-rounders. The performances of Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram in their secondary disciplines will likely play a significant role in shaping South Africa’s performance in the tournament. Their ability to contribute effectively with both bat and ball could be a defining factor for the team.