ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Sport360's predictions

Sport360 staff 23:42 31/05/2017
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  • Ahead of the tournament in England and Wales, Sport360’s team of writers have made their predictions.

    What do you make of them?

    Share your thoughts on the tournament with us – get in touch on Twitter or via Facebook.

    ALEX BROUN

    Champions: It’s a toss up between Australia and England but I’ll go with Australia. In the big moments it’s all about experience Steve Smith’s team has the edge there. The squad is packed with big match players.

    Flops: India. They don’t often do well away from home and many of their key players are currently underperforming. Might sneak into semis but that will be it.

    Player to Watch: The easy answer is Ben Stokes but I’m going to say Mitchell Starc. The conditions will suit the big left hand and if he gets the curve going he will be very difficult to survive against, let along score heavily.

    JOY CHAKRAVARTY

    Champions: Australia. They know how to win, having the best record among all teams in ICC 50-over trophies this century. Their batsman, especially Warner at the top, are in good form, and they have a potent fast bowling attack.

    Flops: Sri Lanka. There was a lengthy period in between when Sri Lanka always did well in multi-nation events. But the retirements of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara have hurt them.

    Player to watch: Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The Indian pacer had a dream outing in the IPL this year. In England, where he should get the ball to swing, Kumar will be key to India’s chances.

    AJIT VIJAYKUMAR

    Champions: England. They are the hosts and have turned their limited overs cricket around. Have an excellent bowling attack and bat right up to No10.
    Stokes and Root are on top of their game and will carry the team’s hopes.

    Flops: Sri Lanka. The Islanders are struggling. A bulk of their squad is over 30 and they had to bring back Malinga after 19 months. No big guns in the batting department. Confidence is at a low.

    Player to watch: Mitchell Starc. The Australian quick is well rested and should be desperate to have a go at the batsmen. Is likely to exploit whatever help there is for the seamers. Has a great attack with him.

    CHRIS BAILEY

    Champions: England. Statistically the most destructive unit around since the 2015 World Cup and they are playing on home soil. Warmed up by beating No.1 ranked South Africa.

    Flops: India. Virat Kohli has only scored one 50 in 14 ODIs in England. He will likely improve but the likes of Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and particularly Ajinkya Rahane have also struggled for form of late.

    Player to watch: Kagiso Rabada. The newly crowned No1 ODI bowler in the world signed up for a one-month spell in county cricket with Kent last year. His familiarity with English conditions will make him even more dangerous.

    STUART APPLEBY

    Champions: England

    This is the best ODI side the Three Lions have had and they can’t afford to pass-up this golden opportunity in home conditions. A settled side should help their cause.

    Flops: Australia. With limited match preparation ahead of their tough opener against New Zealand as well as the ongoing pay dispute hanging over the team, the World Cup holders look under-prepared and ill-equipped.

    Player to watch: Joe Root. An obvious contender, perhaps, but the England batsman is due big runs so expect him to relish the chance to play an important
    role for his team at No.3.

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