The cricket world has waited more than 1400 days. When Sri Lanka and New Zealand open the World Cup it will be 1413 days since MS Dhoni blasted a six on the second last over against Sri Lanka to win the 2011 World Cup for India.
That amount of time only serves to heighten our sense of expectation and desire for the sport’s showcase event.
After a very highly praised tournament in India, one should expect a similar case if not better from the upcoming cup, so here are five reasons why the 2015 World Cup will be the best ever.
1. Australia and New Zealand do it right
Excellent stadiums, passionate supporters, efficient organisation and so much more. Australia has a knack of hosting world-class tournaments and with the current form the Kiwi and Aussie national teams are currently in, combined with the thrill and spectacle associated with the World Cup, expect the supporters to come in masses.
2. A very open World Cup
The favourites for this year’s edition would have to be Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, although I wouldn’t rule out India, Sri Lanka and England to make a strong showing. What will be truly interesting is how some of the smaller nations such as Ireland, Scotland and debutants Afghanistan (who were predicted to be champions by a robot in New Zealand) fair. Expect a few upsets in this year’s edition; remember Ireland versus England in 2011?
3. Young stars
This is the perfect stage for a number of cricket’s rising or already established young talents to truly announce themselves to the world. Aussies Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh and Josh Hazlewood are all poised for a big tournament while abroad talents Joe Root, Akshar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kane Williamson and Quinton de Kock are all ready to create a major impact on the world stage.
4. Veterans
This may well be the last World Cup for many of cricket’s finest talents. Players such as Kumar Sangakkara, Chris Gayle, Michael Clarke, MS Dhoni, Daniel Vettori, Younis Khan, Sahid Afridi, Dale Steyn and Mahela Jayawardene are all poised for perhaps their final tournament. So enjoy watching them light up the world for one last time.
5. Records will be broken
One just needs to view AB de Villiers’ amazing 31-ball century to know there will be more of that to come in this year’s edition. With bat sizes increasing, boundaries decreasing and run rates rising, expect more amazing innings to come. Although don’t ignore the many sensational bowling spells that will be conjured in this World Cup edition.
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