World Cup Cricket 2019 Warm-up Matches Discussion Thread

[ToBeFair]

Observations from warm up matches:

1. On slow and low tracks, BD is a beast in ODI cricket, but unfortunately on high scoring pitches, we become paper tiger on most occasions

2. Shakib so far has done well as No 3 against WI, SL, and other lower ranked teams. In this WC, he will be truly tested in this position. No 3 is a position for a pure specialist, not for an allrounder, and I am therefore skeptical about Shakib's performance at no 3. I personally prefer Tamim-Liton followed by Soumya.

3. I still believe that selection of Mithun and Shabbir was a mistake. We should have had Imrul and Yasir Ali in the squad instead. After NZ tour, Shabbir has not yet performed.

4. As I had predicted, high scoring pitches will give advantage to the team batting first. No matter how good your batting is, more often than not, you will be unable to chase down the target once you concede 350+ runs.

5. High scoring pitches give advantage to these lower ranked teams: WI and Pakistan. And it puts in a disadvantageous situation to teams like BD, SL, and AFG.

6. From warm up matches, Australia looks like the most balanced team. They have a great opener in Warner, a solid no 3 and solid player of spin in Khawaja, a superb middle order batsman in Smith, a great finisher in Maxwell, great fast bowlers, and a great spin duo in Zampa and Lyon. India has equally excellent squad, but I keep Australia to be the most favorite to win the cup because (1) they are peaking at the right time (2) they always bring their best game at WC without fail. England is no 3 to win the WC in my list because of their weaker bowling.

7. Dark horses of this WC will be WI or NZ.