The ICC World Cup 2015 countdown is almost over and the curtain-raiser for the most anticipated tournament will be played on 14th February with the co-hosts New Zealand taking on former champions and 2007 and 2011 finalists, Sri Lanka in Christchurch.
Fourteen teams including ten Test-playing countries and four associate nations will vie for the biggest prize in the cricketing world. Sri Lanka’s leading sports hub – www.thepapare.com has analyzed all the recent performances and form of the players named in the final squads and predict and pick the first-choice XI who are expected to perform exceptionally in the 44-day tournament.
1. David Warner (Australia)
The fearsome left-hander has been in sparkling form lately in Test cricket but has not been able to transform his purple patch to coloured-clothing cricket. Playing in-front of the home fans, the ‘Pocket Dynamite’ will be itching to give the dashing starts with the bat for the Kangaroos.
2. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
The Kiwi skipper is one of the most dangerous batsmen ever and his power-packed knocks against Pakistan and Sri Lanka recently has helped him to win matches for his country. Leading his country in front of home fans, McCullum has lot to offer in the field as well and expected to lead his nation to first-ever World Cup glory.
3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka – Wicket Keeper)
The Lankan legend edged out Kane Williamson to grab the one drop spot. Playing his final World Cup, Sangakkara will no-doubt put to affect his strenuous work-ethic anchoring and looking to play most of the 50 overs. He is the top-ranked player to feature in the ICC World Cup 2015 in the all-time leading run-scorers list with 13693 runs.
4. Virat Kohli (India)
The 26-year old run machine from India loves making runs at the big stage and this World Cup will be the ideal platform for the young right-hander to make his own and guide India to defend the title in unfamiliar conditions.
5. AB De Villiers (South Africa – Captain)
The most extra ordinary cricketer at present, AB is a treat to watch and he announced his intentions of leading South Africa to victory after his bombastic 148 in 44 balls, a month ago. With shots all over the wicket, he can single handedly tear apart any bowling attack.
6. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
Known as the ‘Big Show’, Maxwell has gained worldwide fame since making his ODI debut in 2012. The big-hitting all-rounder will head into his maiden World Cup as one of the key stroke-makers to watch out for in his own backyard.
7. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
The 35-year old has been selected in this probable XI due to his all-round abilities and ‘Boom Boom’ has been picking form recently with the bat and he is one of the experienced players to take part in the upcoming World cup as this will be his 5th appearance.
8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
The spearhead of the Australian bowling attack will love troubling the batsmen with his fierce pace and bounce on seamer-friendly surfaces. Johnson’s slinging left-armers will be nightmare for any batsman and he is tipped to scalp bundles of wickets in the next few weeks.
9. Dale Steyn (South Africa)
Arguably the best fast-bowler at present due to his consistency and aggressiveness. Steyn’s ability to take wickets irrespective of the format is the biggest positive in his game and that puts South Africa in a formidable position to win their maiden World Cup trophy.
10. Tim Southee (New Zealand)
A solid attacking bowler will lead the Black Caps seaming armoury with his right-arm swing deliveries. Southee took 18 wickets at the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 and this time around he is expected to claim more wickets on friendly conditions for fast-bowling.
11. James Anderson (England)
Gearing up for his fourth World Cup, James Anderson is the leader of England’s bowling attack and one of the world’s premier swing bowlers at present. He has been in great form lately and if England to win their first ever World Cup trophy, Anderson will have to play a pivotal role.
