CWC 2019: Five all-rounders to watch out for!
While the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup will be a huge affair between bat and ball, it’s the all-rounders that will give teams an edge over their opponents. Far too often, teams lose their important batsmen early on in the innings and it’s down to batting all-rounders. A bowler’s off day could mean plenty of free runs for the batsman and an opportunity for bowling all-rounders. These utility players will be every team’s saving grace in crucial situations.
Come May 30, these 5 all-rounders will be at the centre of attention in England:
Hardik Pandya
He’s coming off a blistering season with the Mumbai Indians and is looking to take the World Cup by storm. The Indian team will be banking on Pandya’s form with the bat, as well as his ability to bowl at serious pace on the England wickets. In the last 3 years, Pandya has scored 731 runs in 45 matches at an average of 29.24. He has also collected 44 wickets with a decent economy of 5.54. With a personal best of 83, he is yet to score his maiden ODI century. Pandya will enjoy batting on the pitches in England, and once set, he could also score his first hundred in ODIs.
Jason Holder
West Indies cricket has come a long way thanks to their captain Jason Holder’s all-round contributions to the game. Holder has played 57 ODIs in the last 3 years, scoring 1104 runs. He has also taken 71 wickets, with 5-27 as his best bowling figures. The West Indies skipper too doesn’t have an ODI century to his name yet. His highest score is 99. If the Caribbean team hopes to get anywhere close to the trophy, their captain needs to fire from the front.
Ben Stokes
Despite a mediocre season with the Rajasthan Royals in this year’s IPL, Ben Stokes remains one of England’s key players in their World Cup campaign. In 41 matches, Stokes has scored 1403 runs at a staggering average of 56.03 in the last 3 years. He also has 27 wickets to his name and a three-wicket haul. England are deemed favourites this year owing to their tremendous form and home advantage. Stokes will be keen to make his contribution count.
Rashid Khan
The world knows him as a bowler in the IPL, but Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan has been more than that for his national team. In 50 ODIs spanning the last 3 years, Rashid has scored 702 runs and picked 112 scalps. With best figures of 7-18, he is Afghanistan’s go-to bowler. But it’s his big-hitting that is drawing fans to Rashid, the batsman.
Thisara Perera
Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad is a mixed bag of veterans and newcomers. Thisara Perera, one of their veterans, will have a huge responsibility on his shoulders going into the tournament. In his last 43 matches, Perera has scored 969 runs, including a knock of 140. He has also picked up 46 wickets. With some of their players brought back after a long gap, it will be interesting to see how Perera and co. contribute with both bat and ball.
