ICC Number One Ranked England Cricket Team is likely to emerge as a challenging opponent for other squads in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. With a strong batting line up and bowling unit that has been in form, the team may pose a difficulty to others in its matches. A home advantage this year also adds to the chances of the team. Let us take a look at some of the players who are likely to be instrumental for England this World Cup.

Johnny Bairstow is emerging from a fantastic season in the IPL in which he featured in the Top 10 highest run scorers. With a solid batting average of 55.62 and a strike rate of 157.24 in 10 matches in the IPL, Bairstow has been very consistent this year. His score of 114 was also the highest total posted in one innings in this edition. Along with Bairstow is another batsman who is known for his big hitting, none other than Jos Buttler. With an average strike rate of 119.88 between 2012 and 2019, 8 centuries and 18 half centuries, Buttler's form is crucial for the team. His ability to pick up length balls and scoop them and hit the ball in the gaps, has added much-needed runs to the total in several matches. ICC Number 6 ranked batsman Joe Root has scored 14 centuries and 29 half centuries in the period between 2013 and 2019. His average of 50.29 shows that he is a dependable player.

Allrounders Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali are also dangerous assets. With the power to hit big shots in crunch situations, they are capable of turning matches around in the last moment. With a strike rate of 104.06, Moeen Ali also has 3 centuries to his name. They are also valuable to the bowling department. Ben Stokes has taken 63 wickets in 82 matches.

Adil Rashid ranked Number 10 in ODIs for bowling, has taken 130 wickets in 85 one day matches with an economy of 5.58. With two five-wicket hauls, he is a major strength to the team. Along with the spinner, fast bowler Liam Plunkett has his own record to boast of. With 124 wickets in 81 matches, he cannot be messed with easily.

With wins in ODI matches against Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and India in 2018, team England is all geared up for the World Cup, posing a big threat to the other teams. Will 2019 be the first time England lift the cup? We will have to wait and watch..