Feisty Warner
Australia's David Warner will feel he has something to prove at the World Cup
Controversial opener David Warner, 32, is back on the international scene, alongside Steve Smith, after a year-long suspension for his role in a ball-tampering saga that blighted Australian cricket. English crowds will be quick to remind the belligerent left-hander of his fall from grace but that could spur him on to greater heights. Warner proved the attributes that made him such a devastating presence at the crease have not dimmed as he topped the batting charts -- 692 runs in 12 matches -- in the Indian Premier League, where he formed an unlikely alliance with England's Jonny Bairstow.
Heroic Zaman
Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman averages more than 50 in one-day internationals
Fakhar Zaman, 29, was a key player in Pakistan's (World Cup 2019 Pakistan Cricket Team) rise from no-hopers to shock victors in the Champions Trophy in England two years ago, when the left-hander was man of the match in the final after a century against India. Zaman became only the sixth batsman to record an ODI double century when he smashed 210 not out against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last year and averages more than 50. He again showed what he is capable of during the recent ODI series against England and, alongside Babar Azam, will be counted on to deliver.
Freak Buttler
In a star-studded batting line-up that will strike fear into many bowling line-ups, England's (World Cup 2019 England Cricket Team) Jos Buttler could be their most valuable commodity. An average of more than 40 with a strike-rate approaching 120 paints its own picture. Buttler, 28, can destroy attacks and change the course of matches in the blink of an eye and is particularly devastating towards the end of an innings. England's Jofra Archer found himself up against some of the world's best batsmen during the recent Indian Premier League but he still reckoned his most difficult challenge was bowling to Rajasthan Royals teammate Buttler in training. "The best player I faced was Jos Buttler in the nets," said Archer
Posted on May 31, 2019
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