Carlos Brathwaite
West Indies

WEST Indies’ last global title was in the T20 format when Carlos Brathwaite snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by smashing four successive sixes off Ben Stokes after the last over started with 19 runs still wanted. But since that final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Brathwaite had not really made a major impact. But this World Cup provides him the chance to redeem himself as a decent all-rounder who bowls at brisk pace.

Jonny Bairstow
England

ENGLAND are extremely fortunate to a multi-dimensional player like Jonny Bairstow in their ranks. A first rate wicket-keeper like his late father David was, Bairstow has become a permanent fixture as a world-class batsman in all forms. His presence at the top of the order gives England huge bonus and the need arises, he doubles as the go-to-man behind the stumps. After a rare failure in the opening game, he is warming up for big scores.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2019