India is the frontrunner to win the World Cup in 2023, but England has a difficult draw and schedule: Broad, Stuart
Former bowler Stuart Broad believes that India would be favorites to win the World Cup this year, while England will struggle to defend their title owing to a difficult draw and schedule. India and England both enter the competition in strong shape.
Ankush Pandey
Stuart Broad believes that India will be the favorites to win the World Cup this year, while England will struggle to defend their title owing to a difficult draw and a demanding travel schedule throughout the tournament.
Both sides are in terrific form, with India having won the Asia Cup and the ODI series against Australia. England recently defeated New Zealand in a four-match One-Day International series.
The previous three World Cups have seen host teams win the tournament, which Broad believes makes India heavy favorites. Broad stated in his Daily Mail column that it will require a tremendous effort for England to maintain their championship.
Broad stated that if India plays the perfect tournament, they will be difficult to beat.
"If England manage 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 to get past."
"Recent history shows that home teams tend to do well in 50-over World Cups: the final was held in India in 2011, and India won; the final was held in Australia in 2015, and Australia won the trophy; and England won in 2019." So, just on that premise, India has to be major favorites."
"Then take into account that they're playing pretty decent cricket, and their key fast bowling star Jasprit Bumrah is coming back to full fitness," Broad stated.
Broad also mentioned England's tournament schedule, which includes nine round-robin matches in eight different sites. The former pacr believes England will be devastated if they do not advance to the tournament's semi-finals and final.
"Compare this to England." To be honest, they have a really challenging draw, without seeming like I'm making excuses. They do not play two games in the same city, but rather go from city to city."
"Others have the luxury of booking somewhere for a week and playing two games." They are not. "However, because every team plays every other team in the round-robin stage, England would be devastated if they did not make the semis and final," Broad remarked.
