The Cricket World Cup 2015 bonanza is knocking on the door and the fire
power with the bat is set to shape each of the teams’ destinies. The current
rules in this format such as restriction of fielders outside the 30 yard circle
and 15 overs of power play have shifted the balance in the batsman’s favour. In
this section, we will have a look at the 5 batsmen that need to be watch out
for:
1. David Warner (Australia)
David Andrew Warner, a dynamic (pocket dynamite as he is often referred to) left-handed opening
batsman and the first Australian cricketer to be selected for a national team
in any format without any experience in first-class cricket has been no less
than a revelation for the hosts and puts them in the position of biggest
contender to lift the cup along with South Africa. The consistency and temperament
that Warner has showcased in the last couple of years by converting those quick
fiery 30’s and 40’s into match winning knocks has been simply exemplary and
jaw-dropping. He has provided the hosts with a luxurious cushion by laying a
solid platform in double quick time. When a team scores 130 in first 20 overs as often as Australia
have been doing of late, they are bound to achieve a match winning total at
most times. Warner, holds the key for realization of Australia’s dreams of
conquering the cup on their home turf and has given a kick start with his brilliant century in the warm up match.
2. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Kane Williamson is simply the man for New Zealand, the proud
co-hosts. Kane’s ability to acclimatize to any situation and still bring the
best out of himself has seen the transformation of his team from being the dark
horses to title contenders. In
the eight ODIs New Zealand played against Sri Lanka and Pakistan since
Christmas, Williamson hit 407 runs at 67.8. Since the start of the test summer,
he's hit 657 runs at 93. Since last January, Williamson has hit 1177 ODI runs
in 17 innings - three centuries, nine half centuries, only three scores under
25, none in single figures, and is averaging 69.2 for that period. And on it
goes. (Stats Courtesy:
NzHerald.co.nz). The fact that Kane plays a perfect foil to his captain Brendon
McCullum’s aggressive instincts caters very well to co-hosts chances in the
mega event. Kane’s good tournament with the willow could very well see New
Zealand lift their first silverware after being ousted at the semi finals stage
several times.
3. AB De Villiers (South Africa)
Mr. 360, as he is admirably called, is the arguably the best
and most significant player on the planet. His recent fireworks against the
hapless West Indies, where he scored the fastest hundred in this format was a
treat to watch and I am sure that no genuine cricket fan would have been amazed
by his feat. While he has parted away with the wicket keeping gloves, captaincy
and being a premier batsman of the team along with Amla has his hands full. It
has been often said at previous editions too but the composition of the Proteas
in this edition with the likes of AB’s class makes them genuine contenders to
lift the World Cup.
4. Steven Smith (Australia)
The resurgence of Steven Smith in the last 18 months has
been simply unbelievable. The fact that he recently won the Allan Border medal
and being announced as Australia's Test and One-Day International Player of the
Year sumps up the rich vein of form Steve has been in lately. His purple patch
does not seem to end anywhere near soon and his ability to rotate strike with
utter ease at an amazing strike rate makes him an ideal partner for the
attacking trio of Warner, Finch and Watson.
5. Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)
The Sri Lankan skipper is the one to watch out inspite the presence
of stalwarts like Sangakkara and Jayawardene. The senior players in this team
are on the verge of retirement and hence the resurgence of Angelo as a genuine
match winner, both with bat and ball (more so with bat, I must add) has enabled
Sri Lankans to breathe a sigh of relief. Angelo provides the optimum balance
that a side can desire for which in turn, bolster their chances significantly
to reach the semis at least.
