England battled in vain to try and save the fourth Test at Old Trafford but Australia ran out worthy winners to ensure that they will keep The Ashes. A drawn series is still possible, but the Three Lions have generally been outplayed and would be 3-0 down if it wasn’t for a miraculous escape at Headingley.
India were our pre-tournament selection for Cricket World Cup glory and we see no reason to desert them ahead of a semi-final clash with New Zealand. The Men in Blue only lost to England during the round-robin stage, whereas the Black Caps started strongly but finished with three straight defeats.
Australia are expected to wrap up top spot in the Cricket World Cup round-robin table by brushing aside South Africa in Birmingham. The Aussies will be keen to finish at the summit in order to secure a semi-final clash with neighbours New Zealand, rather than having to tackle hosts England.
India can put a little bit of pressure on Australia in the race to top the Cricket World Cup table by seeing off Sri Lanka in Leeds. The Men in Blue have won 12 of the 14 ODI encounters between these sides over the past five years and are a short price to further enhance that head-to-head record.
Pakistan need a miracle to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals and that could make them vulnerable when taking on Bangladesh at Lord’s. The Falcons must win by 316 runs or more to make the top four, while they are automatically out if losing the toss and being forced to field.
West Indies will be disappointed with their Cricket World Cup exploits but they can salvage some pride by seeing off Afghanistan in Leeds. Their opponents are assured of picking up the round-robin stage wooden spoon for finishing bottom of the table following eight straight defeats.
India suffered a first Cricket World Cup defeat against England on Sunday but are expected to bounce straight back when returning to Edgbaston to take on Bangladesh. The Tigers will be content with their efforts so far, but have lost to three of the teams in the top four and must now face the other.
Sri Lanka still have the faintest of hopes of reaching the Cricket World Cup semi-finals and are value to beat an already-eliminated West Indies in Durham. The Crusaders have won four of the last five ODI encounters between these underachieving sides and should be hungrier for success here.
India have been clinically efficient at the Cricket World Cup but their style of play may leave them vulnerable against England at Edgbaston. Virat Kohli’s men prefer to take a measured approach when batting in this format, whereas the Three Lions are capable of scoring more quickly when on song.
Pakistan are still very much in the hunt for a place in the Cricket World Cup semi-finals and can enhance their prospects by brushing aside Afghanistan in Leeds. The Falcons are coming off wins over South Africa and New Zealand and now face opponents who have suffered seven straight defeats.
Sri Lanka still have an outside chance of making the Cricket World Cup semi-finals and that makes them a value bet to beat already-eliminated South Africa. The Proteas have been bitterly disappointing during this tournament and travelling up to Durham at this stage will be a stiff test of their resolve.
India appear to be marching imperiously towards the Cricket World Cup semi-finals and are hot favourites to end any hopes of a West Indies rally at Old Trafford. However, it has been interesting to note how the Men in Blue like to build steadily when batting, rather than going gung-ho from the outset.
New Zealand are flying high in the Cricket World Cup group-stage table but could be worth opposing with a Pakistan side fighting for survival in this tournament. The Black Caps are unbeaten, with five wins and a washout, but have had the rub of the green in several close encounters.
Afghanistan gave India an almighty scare over the weekend but we’re still backing Bangladesh to prove a cut above in Southampton. The Tigers have enjoyed a fine tournament so far, notably beating South Africa and the West Indies, buoyed by some stellar batting performances.