Stokes speaks on how Kohli-Smith would dominate in World Cup
The ICC World Cup 2019 is just ten days away, as fans prepare to see their top cricketers play it out for the ultimate prize. Meanwhile, India and Australia are being considered the pre-tournament favorites, courtesy of top players like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. In the same light, Ben Stokes of England feels that the tournament would be dominated by Kohli and Smith.
Kohli to continue phenomenal form, Smith looks in good touch
The ultimate goal for the two fine cricketers would be to lift the World Cup once again. Kohli has been in a lethal form in ODIs, as he seems unstoppable. He would look to lead from the front. Smith, who is coming post a 12-month ban, would aim to get off to a flier and prove to the world he hasn't lost his touch.
Stokes is a massive fan of Kohli and Smith
"They are both phenomenal players and have played quite a bit against both of them. You watch them play and they make the game look a lot easier than others do. So, I am a massive fan of both the players," Stokes said to IANS.
Stokes praises Kohli and Smith's style of play
Stokes further commented by praising both Kohli and Smith's style of play and the way they bat, claiming that this is what makes them so effective on the field. He also stated that although he plays against them, he has always enjoyed watching them play. Both Kohli and Smith are known for their consistent performance, across the formats.
Kohli's deadly form a grave warning for World Cup opponents
Considering Kohli's form, he scored 464 runs from 14 innings in the recently concluded IPL at an average of 33.14. Moreover, since the 2015 World Cup, he has scored 4,306 runs in 69 innings at an average of 78.29. He tops the list of run-scorers in ODIs since the last edition of the tournament. Notably, he would be captaining in his first World Cup.
Smith's fine IPL form a sign of things to come?
Smith scored the third-most runs for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2019, slamming 319 runs in 10 innings at an average of 39.87. Although he hasn't played an ODI in over a year, his recent performance in the warm up games against New Zealand once again proved his class. He would be the backbone of Australia's middle-order this term.
Kohli and Smith can have a defining campaign
While both the players are rare talents, Kohli seems to be quite ahead and consistent with his form in the white-ball cricket. However, the author feels that their teams cannot just rely on these players, given the World Cup is being played in a round robin format. Overall, both of these legends are set to have a defining campaign in 2019.
