Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer the bowlers to watch: British Deputy High Commissioner Bruce Bucknell

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: British Deputy High Commissioner Bruce Bucknell feels England are this time favourites to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 which will kick off tomorrow with the match between England and South Africa at The Oval, London.

Bucknell, who attended an interactive session with young cricket fans of Assam at the Coffee House of Cotton College on Tuesday, also spoke to The Sentinel. Here is the excerpt.

There is a lot of talk about the unpredictably of the English weather. Your comment.

It’s not going to be like last summer. Last time, it was very hot and dry. We were all very worried. This time, thankfully it is grey, overcast and a little bit damp. However, there are chances that the conditions may change.

What about the wickets?

We have recently seen England playing against Pakistan. There were several high-scoring matches. So this time it should be interesting.

Who are your favourites?

England will stay at number one spot. India and Australia are the two other teams that can pose a challenge to the host. India is a balanced side. The Australian batsmen are picking up their form. However, their bowling may not be quite up to the mark.

Who are the players to watch out for in this World Cup?

It’s Jasprit Bumrah from India and Jofra Archer from England. Archer is a very good death bowler and uses the yorker very well.

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