On their World Cup debut in Australia and New Zealand, Afghanistan has been nevertheless very a whole lot a uncooked Associate outfit. What a distinction four years makes. Two of their bowlers are inside the top 10 of the ICC’s ODI bowler rankings, such as Rashid Khan, who isn’t always just the top-rated spinner at No. 3 but also sits at No. 1 the allrounder ratings for ODI cricket. They sweep a couple of suits against West Indies at the World Cup Qualifier closing yr, but also beat Sri Lanka and Bangladesh within the organization stage of the Asia Cup last September in the UAE before finishing the Super Fours with a interesting tie in opposition to India. A Cinderella runs to the semi-finals might be a stretch judging using various holes within the batting order exposed lately via Ireland in a 2-2 draw. Still, they may not be in England simply to make up the numbers.
The Big Question How effective will their trio of spinners be in English conditions? Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi have shaped the bowling middle considering that Mujeeb made his ODI debut against Ireland at Sharjah in December 2017. Nabi will remain an automated starter because of his all-spherical package deal, which includes explosive batting within the center order, but a gradual start for Mujeeb would possibly bring about an additional seamer for stability in situations. Mujeeb’s saving grace is his outstanding economy fee, especially as a brand new-ball spinner inside the Powerplay.
Injury subject Dawlat Zadran has best played two aggressive matches because he quit the World Cup Qualifier ultimate yr because of habitual shoulder issues. However, he made his comeback in the current ODI collection in opposition to Ireland, taking 5 wickets across the primary and 1/3 ODIs inside the collection to spotlight the importance of retaining 100% fitness leading into the World Cup. Possible wildcard Shapoor Zadran. The left-arm short became Afghanistan’s main wicket-taker on the 2015 World Cup with 10 scalps but has handiest played 8 ODIs since then. However, the shortage of a exceptional experienced alternative to complement Dawlat in the tempo department should see Shapoor on the aircraft to England. Possible squad Asghar Afghan (capt), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Gulbadin Naib, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran, Aftab Alam, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Their one-day fortunes have taken an upturn with the away collection victories against India and Pakistan. The possibilities for the World Cup defense are looking a great deal better than a few months in the past. It has usually been regarded that the Two Big Names would be had again by using May. Still, the current fulfillment of Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, and Ashton Turner has supplied a few surprising alternatives and left a few mighty tough choice calls. The Big Question How to in shape in David Warner and Steven Smith? It’s been assumed they may walk back in and no longer too lengthy in the past. It, in all likelihood, wouldn’t be a hard query, but now they may be a couple of gamers harshly accomplished through.
Injury challenge Jhye Richardson (shoulder) has joined Mitchell Starc (percent) and Josh Hazlewood (returned) on the sidelines. The start is the maximum probability of the trio to make the squad. Possible wildcard Any whole bolters now seem unlikely but it might be a rapid upward thrust for Turner if he went to England. Possible squad Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff
Bangladesh
With likely their excellent-ever collection of players in years, Bangladesh will visit England with high hopes. The perception stretches as far because the cup in hand stems from their robust performances since the 2015 World Cup. But no Bangladesh cricketer in his proper thoughts will say it out aloud. Led using the tireless Mashrafe Mortaza, the side can call upon numerous fit winners nowadays. Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah can be main the side in one of a kind regions.
The Big Question Can they maintain their cool? A top start can result in amazing things, but Bangladesh grow to be distinctly susceptible after a big loss, or a string of losses. Things quick flip chaotic.
Injury issue Injuries to Mushfiqur (wrist and rib), Tamim (groin), and Shakib (finger) have worried BCB’s choice-makers in current months. However, they may need to be managed cautiously in the course of the long tournament. Possible wildcard So excited is all people around the World Cup that BCB president Nazmul Hassan remaining week study out the 15-member squad in one in every of his regular press briefings. Given his power, it will not is an exception as the 2 appointed selectors – Minhajul Abedin and Habibul Bashar – have commonly listened to his needs. But nevertheless, Imrul Kayes, who made 349 runs against Zimbabwe in October last year, could feature in the side as a returned-up batsman even though he didn’t excursion New Zealand. Possible squad Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Liton Das, Taskin Ahmed, Imrul Kayes
