ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie says England deserve favourites tag ahead of mega event

London: Former Australia pacer, Jason Gillespie, has stated that England deserve the ‘favourite’ tag for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup because of their aggressive and dynamic nature. [caption id=“attachment_5452001” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of Jason Gillespie. Reuters[/caption] “There’s been a lot of talk of England being favourites and playing at home and I certainly think they deserve that tag. They’ve played some wonderful 50-over cricket. They’ve been really innovative and shown a lot of aggression with bat and ball, they’ve been really dynamic in the field,” ESPNCricinfo quoted Gillespie as saying. Although the 43-year old praised the hosts, he also elucidated that Australia know how to win World Cups even after they may not be seen as favourites. “Every other team in this World Cup knows that Australia know how to win World Cups. That is something that will be in every other country’s mind, that Australia – while they might not be seen as favourites – they know how to win World Cups,” he said. Undoubtedly, Australia has made a really strong comeback after losing four ODI series, since the start of the last year, as they defeated India at home and then vanquished Pakistan 5-0 in UAE to register their first white-wash abroad since 2008. Howbeit, these victories have put the selectors in dilemma ahead of the World Cup as the present squad have given satisfactory results but they will have to make room for David Warner and Steve Smith in the squad as Australia cannot afford to lose their most experienced duo in the premier event. Australia will name their 15-man squad on 15 April, although they can make changes up until 23 May.