The ICC Cricket World Cup is all set to begin from May 30 in England and Wales. The tournament will be played in a round-robin format this year where all the teams will play each other prior to the knockout stage. All the ten teams have worked on their strengths and weaknesses and ready to take on their opponents.
All the teams have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming mega event where many of them will play their first World Cup this year. They will surely try to do well so that they could seal the deal for their respective teams.
Here are the one World Cup debutants from each team who could leave a mark at the mega event.
England- Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow is one of the key players for England. Having made his ODI debut in 2011, he didn’t get much opportunity as Jason Roy and Alex Hales were the two stalwarts of the team and were playing well. As a result, Bairstow failed to get selected in the 2015 edition of the World Cup.
He came into limelight during their series against West Indies in 2017 when they were playing a five-match ODI series. He smashed two blistering centuries in their successful run-chase. Since then, there is no looking back. He is now one of the best openers in the World Cricket.
He has been in a formidable form for the last couple of months and his Indian Premier League (IPL) went too good where he successfully partnered with David Warner and took Sunrisers Hyderabad over the finish line. He will try to continue this form in the World Cup as well.
India- Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar’s selection over Ambati Rayudu and Rishabh Pant came as a surprise to many as many thought Rayudu would be fit at No.4 more than Shankar. However, Indian chief selector MSK Prasad referred him a three-dimensional player for his batting, bowling and fielding abilities. However, Rayudu was given the most number of chances at NO.4 than any other batsmen. But he failed to impress with the bat while on the other hand, Shankar has been a regular face of India A squad and has performed with both bat and ball. With his all-round ability, Vijay Shankar, can surprise everyone in the World Cup.
Pakistan- Imam-ul-Haq
The nephew of Pakistani chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, Imam-ul-Haq was criticized for his selection in the national team. Many of them said that he broke in the national team on the basis of nepotism. But, the left-handed batsman has proved everyone wrong with his bat. Since his debut in October 2017, he has been among runs. He scored a century against Sri Lanka, and considered one of the best batsmen in the world. The 23-year old, who is going to play his first World Cup, has the ability to help his side’s victory.
South Africa- Aiden Markram
South Africa is considered one of the strongest teams in the world. However, AB de Villiers’ retirement made them a little weaker as their experienced batsman Hashim Amla too has been out of form. Apart from Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis, it is Aiden Markram who need to step up if they want to see South Africa win the title. Since his debut in 2017, Markram couldn’t do too well in ODI but his talent can’t be ignored. More than 2500 runs at an average of near 50 and strike rate above 100 in 57 matches, he is surely going to be one of the key players for South Africa.
New Zealand- Tom Latham
Tom Latham is one of the important players for New Zealand. His presence in the middle-order has strengthened the batting order alongside Ross Taylor. Not only with the bat, but he has proved his ability behind the stumps also. Moreover, he has proved his worth both as an opener as well as in the middle order. His ability to stable the innings will be crucial for New Zealand in the upcoming mega event.
Australia- Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja has become animportant player for Australia since the last one year when the two stalwarts of the side, former captain Steven Smith and former vice-captain David Warner were banned for 12 months following the ball-tampering scandal. Usman Khawaja not only showed his class but also became the highest run scorer in the ODI series played against India earlier this year which included two centuries and two half-centuries in the series With this formidable form he can be a great threat to the opponents.
West Indies- Shai Hope
Since his ODI debut in 2016 against Zimbabwe, Sai Hope came into limelight for his batting. He scored his maiden ODI century in his second game only. In 20 ODIs, he has an average more than 70. He has performed pretty well against India where he has the average of 53.87 in 10 matches which has proved a great potential in him. He could be another opener with Chris Gayle and we might get to see some beautiful knocks from him.
Sri Lanka- Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis is one of the talented players in the cricketing world right now. He has the ability to change the game single-handedly. He has done it many time for his side. Moreover, who can forget his knock in Champions Trophy 2017 against India? His 89 odd runs took his side to a convincing win. However, Sri Lanka were seen struggling a bit now but his inclusion will help the side to do well in the biggest stage.
Bangladesh- Liton Das
Liton Das’ century against India in the final of Asia Cup 2018 assured him as a promising talent for Bangladesh. Though Bangladesh lost the final, his scintillating 121 runs off 117 balls earned praising from everyone. If he gets the chance, it will be a great opportunity for him to showcase his talent and class and leave a mark where the team is full of experienced campaigners like Tamim Iqbal, Shakib-al-Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah etc.
Afghanistan- Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan has become a threat to his opponents because of his spin bowling. With his leg-spin, he has troubled every batsman in the world. However, World Cup 2019 will be his first appearance in the biggest stage where his team will depend a lot on him. Moreover, he has the experience of playing with overseas players in the T20 leagues which will help as well. In 59 ODIs, he has 125 wickets that have come at an amazing average of 15 and an economy rate of 3.90. Alongside Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, he will be the trump card for his side for the upcoming mega event.
