As the ODI World Cup 2023 is just about two months away, Australian bowling great and three-time World Cup-winner Glenn McGrath has top-four teams, which he believes have the highest chance to progress into the semi-finals. McGrath, who also holds the record for taking the most wickets in the tournament's history, anticipates that the forthcoming showpiece event in India will keep everyone on the edge of their seats. He named Australia, Pakistan, England, and the hosting country India, as the strongest teams in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.
"You wouldn't be surprised that I'm putting Australia in that four. Obviously, India is playing in their own conditions. England is playing some great cricket, and Pakistan is also playing fine. So, they are the best four for semis," McGrath told Times of India.
England currently holds the ODI World Cup title, with Australia (2015) and India (2011) being the champions in the two previous editions before the 2019 tournament. Pakistan secured their solitary ODI World Cup title back in 1992.
Being the hosts, India are deemed the favourites to clinch the ODI World Cup 2023 title, given their previous home triumph in 2011. However, with the 2023 ODI World Cup looming, Team India is grappling with the injury woes of their key players.
Rohit Sharma's brigade will open their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign on October 8 when they lock horns with Australia in Chennai. Meanwhile, going by the reports the high-octane contest between arch-rivals India and Pakistan has been rescheduled to October 14.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
McGrath issues advice for Bumrah, says '...it makes it harder for bowlers like him to play all 3 format'
Smriti Mandhana's 70-run knock goes in vain as Mumbai Indians all-rounder's last over heroics lead Welsh Fire to 4-run win
