It’s going to be an open World Cup: Ricky Ponting

Few cricketers have a World Cup CV which is as impressive as Ricky Ponting’s. The former captain and ace No. three batsman, who performed in four World Cups, was once runner-up in 1996 and ended with a winner’s medal in 1999, 2003 and 2007. He was once captain in 2003 and 2007 when the Aussies remained unbeaten.

ICC WORLD CUP 2019: Full Schedule

As Australia's assistant coach to Justin Langer within the 2019 World Cup, Ponting feels England are favourites, however India and Australia are worthy challengers.

Excerpts:

How much you're enthusiastic about the fact that David Warner and Steve Smith would be enjoying within the World Cup for Australia?

The inclusion of these two cricketers would indisputably toughen Australia’s performance within the World Cup. Australia didn't do smartly whilst they were clear of the workforce. I’m positive no longer best me, however the whole workforce is in point of fact excited to have them back.

Do you suppose either one of them might be rusty as they haven’t performed global cricket for just about a year?

They had been enjoying here and there however that they had a just right outing in Indian Premier League (IPL). David Warner in point of fact performed smartly from the first recreation within the IPL. He gave the impression to be very committed. Smith had a niggle whilst fielding all over the IPL, however he came back and I feel steadily he'll get back to height shape.

Suddenly Australia have change into a pressure to reckon with.

That’s true. Australia will play and fight to retain the World Cup. They will indisputably throw a challenge to different contenders.

Any different reason why which makes you so hopeful?

Mitchell Starc is back. Pat Cummins is also bowling smartly. Suddenly, the bowling strength has progressed. We have two front-line all-rounders in Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell.

If you analyse the Australian squad, there are five pacers and two spinners. Don’t you suppose you want to have accommodated yet one more batsman as a substitute of a medium-pacer?

It’s a long match. One workforce must have solid reserve bench and you cannot win in England with no proper pace-bowling assault. A large number of persons are of the opinion that it would be a dry summer and for this we've got two spinners in Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon. That’s why I feel Australia might be a serious identify contender.

Who are the favourites?

Initially, it would be England for 2 causes. England have started enjoying smartly in limited-overs (cricket) and the match might be performed on (their) home (soil). Naturally, they are going to have some advantage. But they are going to be challenged via India and Australia.

What about teams like West Indies, Pakistan and South Africa?

They are also just right. This would be an overly open World Cup. Although England are clear favourites, there are different strong teams who can cause upsets.

What are the primary causes that Australia had received 3 consecutive World Cups?

I feel Australia was once via a long way the best workforce in that length. We had top-class bowlers, an excellent bowling assault and a perfect workforce spirit. We almost maintained the similar nucleus of players within the first two (of those) World Cups (we received consecutively).