04 October 2023 , 12:45
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The Cricket World Cup is almost upon us!
England get the 2023 edition of the sport's limited-overs showpiece underway on Thursday as they take on New Zealand in India in what is a repeat of the 2019 final.
Jos Buttler's men are bidding for a repeat of their famous triumph on home soil four years ago when the current skipper joined Ben Stokes in the middle at Lord's for a memorable super over to see them to a first 50-over crown.
But they face stiff competition from the Blackcaps once more, as well as the tournament hosts, Australia, Pakistan and a clutch of other sides hoping to lift the trophy on November 19.
Here's our team-by-team guide to the tournament...
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Afghanistan
Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
Coach: Jonathan Trott
Best CWC Finish: Group stage
Prediction: With Rashid Khan, the best spinner in T20 white ball cricket, in their side they will be a threat, but they have only ever won 1 World Cup match against Scotland. Group Stage.
Australia
Captain: Pat Cummins
Coach: Andrew McDonald
Best CWC Finish: Winners 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015
Prediction: The last dance for many in their squad, they still have the quality to go all the way especially with Mitchell Starc involved. Semi final.
Australia will be led by fast-bowling skipper Pat Cummins (AFP via Getty Images)Bangladesh
Captain: Shakib al Hasan
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Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha
Best CWC Finish: Quarter Final 2015
Prediction: A hugely experienced team who know the conditions inside out and will take down at least one of the big boys. Group stage.
England
Captain: Jos Buttler
Coach: Matthew Mott
Best CWC Finish: Winners 2019
Prediction: Look well equipped to defend their title strongly. Batting is best in class while bowlers have improved. Runners Up.
Can Buttler repeat England's T20 success in the 50-over format? (Getty Images)India
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Coach: Rahul Dravid
Best CWC Finish: Winners 1983, 2011
Prediction: As the home side they have a natural built in advantage, plus they have some of the greatest white ball players of all time in their squad. Winners.
Netherlands
Captain: Scott Edwards
Coach: Ryan Cook
Best CWC Finish: Group Stage
Prediction: A huge effort to qualify for the main tournament, but will be expected to lose every match. Bas de Leede is a talented all rounder who might help spring a surprise. Group stage.
New Zealand
Captain: Kane Williamson
Coach: Gary Stead
Best CWC Finish: Runners Up 2019, 2015
Prediction: One of the most consistent tournament teams of the last decade, but age is catching up with their golden generation, hard to see them topping 2019. Group stage.
Pakistan
Captain: Babar Azam
Coach: Grant Bradburn
Best CWC Finish: Winners 1992
Prediction: Mercurial is the only way to describe Pakistan in tournament cricket, and it is the way they seem to like it. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fitness is crucial though. Semi final.
Pakistan boast one of the world's premier batters in skipper Babar Azam (AP)South Africa
Captain: Temba Bavuma
Coach: Rob Walter
Best CWC Finish: Semi final
Prediction: The ‘chokers’ tag has followed South Africa from tournament to tournament, and at some point it has to fall. Could this be their year? Group stage.
Sri Lanka
Captain: Dasun Shanaka
Coach: Chris Silverwood
Best CWC Finish: Winners 1996
Prediction: Have enjoyed a decent period over the past year, reaching the final of the Asia Cup, but injuries have taken their toll. Group stage.