20 Players Who Are Set to Have a Huge Cricket World Cup
The start of the ICC Cricket World Cup is just two months away, with the 14 teams starting to whittle down their initial 30-man squads to a final number of 15.
All will be tremendously excited to get going with the international tournament, especially on the exciting pitches promised in Australia and New Zealand.
In the build-up to the matches, there are plenty of players who seem to be rounding into form at just the right time ahead of the ICC’s flagship event.
Let’s take a look at 20 who are set to impress.
1. Jos Buttler
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England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler has the ability to be an explosive batsman, and has already shown plenty of potential in international cricket.
He could be just the man to give the English some momentum.
2. Virat Kohli
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Indian superstar Virat Kohli remains a key part of his country’s batting lineup and appears to be delivering on his early promise.
On the biggest stage of all, look for him to rise to the occasion.
3. Misbah-ul-Haq
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Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq is another who has impressed recently with the bat, and this tournament seems to be coming at just the right time for him.
If he can continue his great run, his side will be confident of living up to their obvious talent.
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4. Dale Steyn
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Seamer Dale Steyn has led South Africa’s bowling attack for a number of years now, and should be highly effective on friendly pitches Down Under.
He could make the difference for the Proteas, who should consider themselves among the favourites for the trophy.
5. Joe Root
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Another young Englishman who has already shown plenty of ability in international cricket is right-hander Joe Root.
If he can maintain his current form, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
6. Kumar Sangakkara
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The seemingly ageless Kumar Sangakkara remains the lynchpin of Sri Lanka’s batting order.
He will surely rise to the occasion once again at this World Cup.
7. Kane Williamson
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On his home soil, New Zealander Kane Williamson will definitely be up for the challenge against the world’s best.
As one of the Black Caps’ senior players, he will be one to watch.
8. Rohit Sharma
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India’s Rohit Sharma is another very talented batsman who will play a key role for his side.
If he is in form, he will be one player that will surely occupy the spotlight.
9. Tim Southee
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Another New Zealander on home turf, fast bowler Tim Southee is one of the best in the world and will be determined to make an impact.
Given the conducive conditions, he should be capable of making life very difficult for opposing batsmen.
10. Trent Boult
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Southee’s partner in crime with the new ball is Trent Boult, another who will be tough to face in New Zealand.
The pair of them together have proven to be highly effective, and should pose problems for anyone.
11. Sunil Narine
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West Indian spinner Sunil Narine has shown himself to be very effective in limited-overs cricket, and could be a star at this World Cup.
Even though Australia and New Zealand are not known for their turning tracks, Narine can take wickets anywhere.
12. Lasith Malinga
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Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga is always a handful, but should be even more so on the bouncy pitches Down Under.
He will be vital for Sri Lanka at the beginning and end of the innings.
13. Kieron Pollard
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Explosive all-rounder Kieron Pollard is a potential game-changer for the West Indies, and will be relied upon to provide the spectacular.
If it comes off, he could be a real difference maker.
14. Rangana Herath
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Primary Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath is another who does not necessarily need turning pitches to pick up wickets.
He will perform a vital role for his team in drying up the runs.
15. David Warner
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On home turf, Australian David Warner is a crucial player, with his aggressive batting at the top of the order.
He is in form right now, and looks set for a big tournament in front of his fellow countrymen.
16. Calum MacLeod
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Scotland all-rounder Calum MacLeod scored two centuries to help the Scots qualify for this tournament, and will be keen to impress on the biggest stage.
The Saltires will be relying on him, and he will be determined to lead from the front.
17. Chris Woakes
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An all-rounder with bags of potential, Chris Woakes has shown plenty of promise for England already.
Look for him in this tournament to shine with bat and ball.
18. Vernon Philander
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One of South Africa’s legion of fast bowlers, Vernon Philander remains one of their best and most consistent.
On the conducive pitches of this World Cup, he could be deadly.
19. Ajantha Mendis
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Another Sri Lankan spinner, Ajantha Mendis could cause problems for plenty of batsmen.
He may not be bowling on spin-friendly pitches, but it should still be a good tournament for the leg-spinner.
20. Steven Smith
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Steven Smith is another who will contest this World Cup on home soil, and should be a good bet to have a good tournament.
With his uncompromising batting style, he can take any bowling attack apart quickly.
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