ICC World Cup 2023: Just 16 days remain until the cricketing world’s mega event kicks off. The cricket festival starts on the 5th of October in India, culminating with the final on the 19th of November. England and New Zealand will clash in the opening match at the renowned Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. All teams are now in the midst of rigorous preparations, ensuring they’re fully prepared for this grand event.
Adam Gilchrist selects his top four picks for the World Cup semi-finals
As the buzz intensifies for the ICC World Cup 2023, former Australian cricket star Adam Gilchrist revealed his top four semi-finalist choices for the tournament. Many raised eyebrows when he excluded the ICC World Cup 2019 runners-up, New Zealand.
First on Gilchrist’s list is Australia. Given the stellar cricket Australia showcases and the high-caliber players in their lineup, it seems quite reasonable to consider the Pat Cummins-led team as prime contenders for the ICC World Cup 2023 title. Their adeptness in Indian conditions keeps them in the spotlight.
Gilchrist named India, captained by Rohit Sharma, as his second semi-finalist. Fresh from their triumph at the Asia Cup 2023 and with the home turf advantage, they’re positioned as strong favorites. England also secured a spot in his predictions. The unique and successful cricket strategy employed by England is one many teams emulate, making them a team to watch for a potential final spot.
Lastly, Gilchrist chose Pakistan as his fourth semi-finalist. Their impressive run in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, especially reaching the Super Four stage and dominating the league rounds, speaks volumes. Their formidable pace bowling lineup distinguishes them from global competitors.
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 All Teams Squad (Released)
Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen ul Haq.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.
India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.
Netherlands squad: Scott Edwards (c), Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Vikram Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Wesley Barresi, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Sybrand Engelbrecht.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.
