The excitement is building as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 approaches, with India set to host the grand event from October 5 to November 19. Cricket enthusiasts and experts around the world are busy making their predictions, and one name that carries significant weight in the cricketing fraternity is James Anderson, the veteran pacer from the England National Cricket Team.
James Anderson, at 41 years old, has seen it all in the world of cricket. His predictions for the semi-finalists of the World Cup 2023 are creating quite a buzz. According to Anderson, the four teams that will make it to the semi-finals are England, India, Australia, and South Africa.
Anderson goes a step further by predicting that the summit clash will witness a battle between the defending champions and the hosts, England and India, respectively. In his vision, the Three Lions emerge victorious in a tight showdown.
Speaking to the BBC Test Match Special, he said: “The semi-finalists will be England, India, Australia and South Africa. I like how South Africa turned it around in their series against Australia. Their batting is strong and they have nice options with the ball. Pakistan will be close, as will New Zealand, but both will miss out. I can see England beating India in a tight final.”
Steven Finn, another cricketer hailing from England, also shares his thoughts on the World Cup 2023. He predicts that the semi-finalists will include England, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan.
He elaborated: “This World Cup is the most open there has been in a long time. The lack of 50-over cricket in the build-up will mean some teams will go in slightly muddled about how they approach this format. The four that will reach the semis are England, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan. They have the most balanced squads.
Finn’s prediction is influenced by recent World Cup history, as the host nations won the last three editions. He backs India to continue this trend, citing their significant experience in one-day cricket and the support of their home crowd.
Finn concluded, “The last three World Cups have been won by hosts India in 2011, Australia in 2015 and England four years ago. With that in mind, India will win it again this year. They have played significantly more one-dayers than anyone else and home support will be a big advantage.”
India’s preparations for the World Cup hit a minor hiccup, with two warm-up matches against England and Netherlands being washed out due to rain. Nevertheless, the Rohit Sharma-led side remains focused on their campaign.
India’s World Cup journey will kick off on October 8 when they face Australia in Chennai. The encounter promises to be a thrilling showdown, with both teams eyeing a strong start to their campaign.
