Kane Williamson
Ever since he made his debut in 2010 as a 20-year-old and scored 131 runs on his Test debut in Ahmedabad, Williamson has always been predicted to be special. The last two years have shown plenty of evidence of the same. While his organised defensive technique makes him cut out for Tests, his equally classy shot-making has helped him excel in ODIs too. In red-hot form in the lead-up to the World Cup, Williamson is one of the reasons why the Kiwis are among the title contenders.
Glenn Maxwell
Photo: Reuters
If his last two innings – the tri-series final against England and the practise match against India – are anything to go by, his World Cup preparations seem to be in prime condition. The first was a 98-ball 95 showing enormous patience when his side was down 60 for four. The second was a blistering 122 from just 57 balls showing his destructive potential. In the match against England he scalped four wickets too, displaying yet another facet of his game. All this suggests that the 26-year-old all-rounder is indispensible for Australia.
Trent Boult
Photo: Reuters
He can swing the ball both ways, seam it and bowl at a brisk pace. And with Tim Southee, he has formed one of the most potent of bowling partnerships in the world. He has played only 16 ODIs but in Tests he has more than 100 wickets, which marks him as something more than a bright prospect. Indeed, he has a long way to go before matching his idol Wasim Akram’s record, but the excitement the 25-year-old elicits is unmistakable.
Quinton de Kock
Photo: AP
In a team full of match winners, it’s tough to pick individual stars. Yet, when Quinton de Kock tore his ankle ligaments around six weeks ago, the way South Africans were seen sweating would have told one how much he means to his team’s balance. Yet another of the modern day batsman-wicketkeepers, the 22-year-old, who has 1486 runs at an average of 42.45 in ODIs, including six centuries and five half-centuries, has recovered quickly and is set lead the Proteas’ charge partnering Hashim Amla at the top of the order.
Eoin Morgan
Photo: Reuters
His coronation as captain came under chaotic circumstances. Alistair Cook was axed while his own batting form had tailed off from the heady days he enjoyed while being Cook’s deputy. Still, his cool temperament and the tactical brain that he is deemed to posses have always identified him as a leader; his poor captaincy record at Middlesex notwithstanding. He will no doubt want to make a mark in a competition in which his side holds the dubious record of having lost the most number of finals.
David Warner
Photo; Reuters
A pocket dynamo is what best fits this diminutive but explosive opening bat. His form ahead of the World Cup has been exemplary notching up impressive knocks in both the Test series against India and the ensuing one day tri-series. An aggressive batsman, who often strikes at close to 80 even in Test cricket, his only worry will be to not carry that persona beyond his batting for which he has been guilty of in the recent past.