THE CUP THAT COUNTS

With 100 days to go for the World Cup, here’s a lowdown of the 10 participating teams

AUSTRALIA

Holders and five-time winners have struggled without banned Steve Smith and David Warner. Thrashed 9-1 by England across two series in 2018, they also lost to South Africa (2-1) and India (2-1). Gamechanger: Smith and Warner are being seen as saviours who have played 214 ODIs, scoring 7,774 runs. L L W L W

ENGLAND

Have featured in every World Cup but are yet to win. Captained by Eoin Morgan, England have risen to the top of ODI rankings. This will be the fifth time England are staging the 50-over World Cup. Gamechanger: Wicketkeeperbatsman Jos Buttler is an outrageously gifted shotmaker who has scored six ODI hundreds and boasts of a superb strike rate of just under 117. L W W W NR

INDIA

India will enter the World Cup as favourites after recent series victories in Australia and New Zealand. India had a superb 2018 with ODI wins over South Africa (5-1), West Indies (3-1) and in the Asia Cup held in the UAE. Gamechanger: If Virat Kohli is key to India's chances in the 10-team tournament then spin ace Kuldeep Yadav could lead the charge in the bowling department. Form Guide W L W W W

BANGLADESH

Looking to improve on their 2015 quarter-final finish, they won 13 of their 20 ODIs in 2018, behind only England and India. Gamechanger: Mashrafe Mortaza is an inspirational leader but left-arm quick Mustafizur Rahman can make a strong impact. L L W L W

PAKISTAN

The unpredictable team has some exciting talent from Mohammad Amir to Usman Shinwari to Hasan Ali. If their vulnerable batting comes good, they could repeat the exploits of 1992.

Gamechanger: Babar Azam, 24, has been compared to Virat Kohli. Babar has an ODI average of over 51 and has hit eight centuries and ten 50s. L W L L W

NEW ZEALAND

The Black Caps hope to claim the title after making the semis six times and the final in 2015. Their strong run of form was marred somewhat by a 4-1 series loss to India in January. Gamechanger: Speedster Lockie Ferguson has genuine pace, regularly sending down 150 kph thunderbolts and troubling batsmen with an array of bouncers and blistering yorkers. W W L W L

WEST INDIES

They appear doomed to endure a tortuous tournament despite their Test series win over England at home. Failed to get past the quarters in 2011 and 2015 and had to play qualifiers this time. Gamechanger: Chris Gayle is the man expected to provide the fireworks before he retires, but it is 22-year-old Shimron Hetmyer who could be

the team's standout star. L W L L L

SOUTH AFRICA

Branded chokers due to their repeated meltdown in World Cup knockouts, they have modest expectations. They are hit by retirements of AB de Villiers and fast bowler Morne Morkel. Gamechanger: Hard-hitting David Miller is also an outstanding fielder. Breakout star could be fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. W L W W L

AFGHANISTAN

Had to go through the qualifiers but are certainly not underrated. At the 2018 Asia Cup, they beat Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and tied against eventual champions India.

Gamechanger: Leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who became the fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets, in 44 matches. T L L W W

SRI LANKA

The 1996 champions are not a threat despite their recent Test win in South Africa. Visiting Zimbabwe beat them 3-2 in an ODI series in 2017 and they have not won a bilateral rubber in last 2 years.

Gamechanger: Lasith Malinga remains their best bet. The pacer emerged as their best with 7 wickets in their recent 3-0 loss in NZ. L L L W L