England, India and Pakistan are the three favourites to win the 2019 Cricket World Cup, according to Ian Bell.
Australia won their fifth title at the last World Cup four years ago and Bell insists the Aussies will be very dangerous next summer.
But the Warwickshire batsman believes either England, the top-ranked team in the world, Champions Trophy holders Pakistan or Virat Kohlis India will lift the trophy.
England failed to qualify for the knockout stages in 2015 but have since developed into the most dangerous side on the planet under captain Eoin Morgan.
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They suffered a blip at the 2017 Champions Trophy, however, losing to eventual winners Pakistan in the semi-finals.
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Asked whether England are clear favourites to win the World Cup, Bell said: I think people are saying they are the favourites and rightly so.
The 50-over cricket they have played over the last three years has been outstanding.
Its going to be an exciting tournament but, as we saw in the ICC Champions Trophy last year, Pakistan are a very dangerous side with lots and lots of match-winners and exciting players in their team.
India, as they always are at World Cups, are going to be very strong.
Bell added to Sky Sports: I wouldnt be surprised if Australia are there or thereabouts if they get their bowling attack together and fully fit and get a squad together from all the players they can pick from.
I think they will still be very dangerous when it comes around to the World Cup.
I think it will be a very interesting tournament but, for me at the minute, I would be looking at either England, Pakistan or India to go all the way.
Bell last played for England in 2015 but recently said he was still good enough for international cricket.
On whether he has aspirations to play for England again, Bell said: It is out of my control as to what can happen on that front.
I feel that I am playing at the top of my game – I had a fantastic season in England and I am looking forward to the Bangladesh Premier League and Pakistan Super League challenges.
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If an international call-up was to come, then I would absolutely love it again, but for me the focus at the minute is to play the cricket I am playing and enjoy the upcoming challenges.
More: Cricket
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England, India and Pakistan are the three favourites to win the 2019 Cricket World Cup, according to Ian Bell.
Australia won their fifth title at the last World Cup four years ago and Bell insists the Aussies will be very dangerous next summer.
But the Warwickshire batsman believes either England, the top-ranked team in the world, Champions Trophy holders Pakistan or Virat Kohlis India will lift the trophy.
England failed to qualify for the knockout stages in 2015 but have since developed into the most dangerous side on the planet under captain Eoin Morgan.
More: Cricket
They suffered a blip at the 2017 Champions Trophy, however, losing to eventual winners Pakistan in the semi-finals.
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Asked whether England are clear favourites to win the World Cup, Bell said: I think people are saying they are the favourites and rightly so.
The 50-over cricket they have played over the last three years has been outstanding.
Its going to be an exciting tournament but, as we saw in the ICC Champions Trophy last year, Pakistan are a very dangerous side with lots and lots of match-winners and exciting players in their team.
India, as they always are at World Cups, are going to be very strong.
Bell added to Sky Sports: I wouldnt be surprised if Australia are there or thereabouts if they get their bowling attack together and fully fit and get a squad together from all the players they can pick from.
I think they will still be very dangerous when it comes around to the World Cup.
I think it will be a very interesting tournament but, for me at the minute, I would be looking at either England, Pakistan or India to go all the way.
Bell last played for England in 2015 but recently said he was still good enough for international cricket.
On whether he has aspirations to play for England again, Bell said: It is out of my control as to what can happen on that front.
I feel that I am playing at the top of my game – I had a fantastic season in England and I am looking forward to the Bangladesh Premier League and Pakistan Super League challenges.
Advertisement Advertisement
If an international call-up was to come, then I would absolutely love it again, but for me the focus at the minute is to play the cricket I am playing and enjoy the upcoming challenges.
More: Cricket
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