• Wasim Akram believes England are the favourites.
• Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, and a strong bowling attack.
• India can be a force to be reckoned with at home.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram believes England are the favourites to win this year’s World Cup in India.

In his most recent interview, the Sultan of Swing stated that England has all bases covered in terms of Indian conditions.

“I have to say that England are the favourites,” said Akram. “They (England) have got good spin options. They have got good players who play spin nicely. They have got good variations with the seam bowlers, Jofra Archer coming back (from injury) is huge. And Mark Wood is bowling at 90 miles per hour. So I think England have got the experience,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.

However, Akram believes that India can be a force to be reckoned with at home. “India will pose a challenge. If they can commit to an aggressive style, India will be a formidable force at home “He mentioned this.

While discussing Pakistan’s strength for the World Cup, Akram stated that the green shirts have a strong bowling attack.

“Our captain is a great player and we have one of the best fast-bowling lineups in the world,” he said. “Shaheen Afridi is currently in prime form. He has led his team to victory in the PSL for the second time. He is developing pretty well as an all-rounder. Then there is Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Mohammad Hasnain is there, Ihsanullah is an exciting young fast bowler. I think because the World Cup is happening in India, it is the team with the stronger bowling attack that will succeed because the pitches tend to be batter friendly,” he concluded.

This year’s World Cup will be held in India in October and November. England will defend their championship.

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