Top batsmen to watch out for in World Cup 2015
ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup is starting from 14th February and here is our pick of the batsmen who could set the stage on fire in the ODI cricket's biggest tournament:
AB de Villiers (South Africa), Average - 52.16, Strike Rate - 97.16
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South African skipper and undoubtedly the most destructive batsman in modern day cricket. He can certainly be a nightmare for bowlers. He is in the best touch of his career and recently scored the fastest century in just 31 balls against West Indies.
Hashim Amla (South Africa), Average - 56.41, Strike Rate - 89.61
He was dubbed as a test cricketer earlier in his career but made changes to his batting style and today he is one of the most consistent batsman in ODI cricket. He is in a remarable form. In the recently concluded ODI series against West Indies, he scored 66, 153*, 61*, 133 and won the man of the series award. Hashim Amla is the fastest batsman to reach 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 runs in ODIs.
Virat Kohli (India), Average - 51.50, Strike Rate - 90.17
Indian vice captain and one of the most talented young cricketers. Sir Vivian Richards has included him in his list of top ten ODI cricketers of all time. He is just 26 and already has 21 ODI centuries to his name. With a healthy batting average of over 51, he is expected to play a vital role in the upcoming world cup.
J. Root (England) - Average - 40.0, Strike Rate - 80.04
Joseph Root is youngest player in the England World Cup team. He has a promising start to international cricket and England team depends on him in the middle order. With a batting average of 40+ and Strike rate of 80+, he can change the game as per the conditions.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand) - Average - 46.26, Strike Rate - 82.78
Kane Williamson played a vital role in the recent success of New Zeland against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He has been a consistent performer for the team in all formats. Playing at home in world cup will be added advantage for him. He is in prime form and has scored 392 runs in his last 5 ODI innings matches at an average of 78.4, including two centuries and two fifties.
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - Average - 40.99, Strike Rate - 78.08
The third highest run-scorer in ODIs, Sangakkara would be playing his last World Cup and Sri Lanka would expect a lot from him. The ever dependable Sri Lankan veteran is always a treat to watch. Apart from his batting, Sri Lankan team would like to utilize his experience.
Steven Smith (Australia) - Average - 35.84, Strike Rate - 88.63
The young Australian batsman caught the world attention in the India-Australia test series where he not only scored 769 runs in the Test series but also led the team in absence of Michael Clarke. His innovative batting style always put bowlers in pressure which will be important in the upcoming world cup.
David Warner (Australia) - Average - 32.73, Strike Rate - 85.18
The destructive Australian left-handed opener believes in hitting from the first ball and his explosive style of batting gives Australia the advantage to dominate from the start of the innings. The only way to control him is to get his wicket.
Chris Gayle (West Indies) - Average - 36.85, Strike Rate - 84.22
He is bowlers’ nightmare. On his day, nothing can stop him. According to Sir Vivian Richards, "He can be a match-winner in any environment and in any match conditions. If he is on song, then the opposition can lose the match in the blink of an eye, that’s how destructive he can be".
Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) - Average - 30.27, Strike Rate - 91.73
New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum can bruise bowling attacks like few other men in international cricket. A great entertainer, McCullum can rip apart any bowling attack on his day. He is playing triple roles of batsman, captain and wicket-keeper in world cup and he is required to perform in all roles.
