With the start of May, the cricket world has officially entered into the month of the cricket world cup. The squads have been announced from all participant countries. The camps have been started for few and are about to start for a few, next week. Let’s look at how each squad preparing from here on.
England
The hosts – and favorites of the tournament – played one-odd ODI with Ireland. They gave a chance to a few inexperienced players who may not necessarily be the part of the world cup squad. The move was to make them mentally ready if the need arises.
Here on, they will play one T20I and 5 ODIs with Pakistan, which shall give a major boost to the squad with some game time just before the world cup. The aspect they need to take care during the series is unnecessary injuries.
Pakistan
After leaving out their best English condition bowler – Mohammed Amir – from the world cup squad, Pakistan has few questions to answer before the tournament. Fortunately, they have a chance to assess the balance in the series with England, starting 5th May. Pakistan’s bowling will be on radar against the mighty England batting lineup.
West Indies
The Caribbeans, who came through the qualification round, have a good time to prepare for their campaign. In the tri-series starting on 5th May – with Ireland and Bangladesh – they will try a few options to find out the balance and game plans that can work in English conditions. However, the series will not be testing their prime players – Gayle and Russell – since they are continuing in the IPL.
Bangladesh
Unfortunately, the Bangla tigers haven’t had much of the cricket in last month. Most players aren’t part of the IPL, except Shakib al Hasan, who got a couple of games with SRH. Hence, they would look to utilize their time of tri-series in Ireland for everything. From game time to the squad members to try and find the best XI to settle down before the world cup.
Australia
The Australian squad is divided as far as the game time is concerned. Few of them – Smith, Warner, Stoinis & co. – had good game time in IPL, but likes of Khwaja and Marsh don’t have much. They did play a bilateral series against Pakistan, but that was at least a month back. With the entry of Warner and Smith, the team needs a bonding, and wisely enough Kangaroos have put up a pre-camp before heading to New Zealand.
The series does not make a strong opposition since major New Zeland players are turning up. However, that will still allow Kangaroos tp to assess the balance before heading to the world cup.
To read about the campaigns of the remaining five teams, read Part2.
