Rating the captains in the ICC World Cup 2019
The ICC World Cup 2019 has entered its middle stage and so far we have seen an action-packed tournament. Some captains have managed their sides well, but there have been others who have simply been under the mat with the decision-making. Here we look at how the ten captains have fared in the 2019 World Cup so far.
Eoin Morgan and Virat Kohli have dominated the proceedings
Tournament favorites England and India have been led well by their respective skippers Eoin Morgan and Virat Kohli. Both have been spot on with team selection as well as field placement. They have rotated the bowlers well. England and India have dominated the show and there is a sense of confidence in the dressing room. Both Morgan and Kohli get a rating of 9/10.
Williamson's real test will begin now, gets 8/10
Kane Williamson's side has beaten three Asian sides in the form of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Against India, the match got washed out. The road ahead for Kane Williamson is a tough one. He has led from the front as he has shouldered the batting as expected. Williamson knows his team well. However, his real test begins now. He gets 8/10.
Finch will expect a complete show, gets 7.5/10
Aaron Finch-led Australia have been superb so far. The senior opening batsman has produced the goods and this is the team that has largely been governed by the 'Fab four' - Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc. With the ball, there have been periods of uncertainty, especially given the lack of a good fifth bowler. Finch will need to this issue soon.
Bangladesh's Mortaza deserves praise, gets 7/10
Mashrafe Mortaza needs to be lauded for his spirit and character. He has played despite having injury issues. Mortaza has led the young bowling attack well. Bangladesh get the marks for trying and playing fearless cricket. Shakib Al Hasan has been excellent.
Sarfaraz Ahmed has been awful, gets 2.5/10
A lot of focus was on Sarfaraz Ahmed and his side going into the World Cup. But Pakistan's journey so far has been unforgettable. Sarfaraz has lacked the basic attributes of a leader. His team selections were rather emotional than practical. Also, reports of rift in the team have dampened the spirits. Pakistan have been awful on the field and things need to change.
Nothing to separate the other four teams
There is nothing much to separate the other four teams. Faf du Plessis-led South Africa have been woeful. Jason Holder started on a spirited note, but since then West Indies have lost the plot. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have not offered much substance either. Although, Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne has been strong individually. Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib has looked inexperienced. These captains get 4/10.
