In no particular order here’s our list of batsman we expect to be near the top of the run scorer charts at the Cricket World Cup beginning on February 14th in Australia and New Zealand.
1. David Warner
54 matches, 1702 runs, 32.73 average, 3 hundreds, 10 fifties, 163 high score
Arguably one of the most destructive batsman in the game will never have abetter opportunity to contribute to a World Cup campaign. The tournament, on home soil after a difficult summer, presents an opportunity to improve on his relatively mediocre and set himself in the limelight that he so obviously craves. Warner’s fearless approach will be well suited to the Australian conditions, and his presence will strike fear in opposition bowling attacks. He’s the bookies favourite to top score in the tournament.
Odds – $9.00
2. Kumar Sangakkara
397 matches, 13693 runs, 40.99 average, 21 hundreds, 93 fifties, 169 high score
When people talk about Lara, Ponting, Tendulkar and Kallis as the modern greats they often overlook on of the very best. Kumar Sangakkara epitomises class and professionalism, and his record in every corner of the globe speaks for itself. Sangakara arrives at the tournament in peak form after a successful New Zealand tour and won’t miss out too often in the tournement. Thus, he’s a good pick for top run scorer.
Odds – $15.00
3. Kane Williamson
65 matches, 2452 runs, 46.26 average, 6 hundreds, 15 fifties, 145* high score
If Martin Crowe was the batting catalyst for New Zealand’s semi final run in the 1992 World Cup, then Kane Williamson is destined to play a similar role in 2015. The most accomplished New Zealand batsman has an uncomplicated technique and is building in confidence just before the commencement. Over the past two years he is average over 74 in the ODI game and has slowly added more flamboyance to aid his scoring rate. He’ll go very close to being the best batsman in this edition.
Odds – $15.00
4. Virat Kohli
150 matches, 6232 runs, 51.50 average, 21 hundreds, 33 fifties, 183 high score
The Indian showman owns an incredible one day international record. The one-day format is where Kohli announced his arrival into the top echelon of international batsman with a raft of composed hundreds in winning chases. Kohli’s in peak form too after he scored hundred after hundred in the test series against Australia. If India manage to get themselves into the semi-finals Kohli will be near the top of the run scoring charts.
Odds – $15.00
5. AB de Villiers
179 matches, 7459 runs, 52.16 average, 19 hundreds, 43 fifties, 149 high score
The best batsman in the world faces only one obstacle in taking out the top run scorer honours at the World Cup. That is his teams inability to close out games, or to put it another way, his teams tendency to choke on the big stage. If they progress to the final de Villiers will be a big part of the march and his ability to score all over the park, at a good clip, makes him a batsman to watch.
Odds – $14.00
6. Hashim Amla
107 matches, 5359 runs, 56.41 average, 19 hundreds, 27 fifties, 153* high score
Alma’s record speaks for itself. After taking some time to develop a blueprint for ODI runs, Amla has stuck to it impeccably and continues to score runs in every series he plays. Strong off the back foot and with supple wrists to manoeuvre the ball into gaps, the conditions should suit Amla. His technique is also more than capable to cope with early movement and bounce if it comes his way. Second favourite to top the table.
Odds – $11.00
7. Rohit Sharma
127 matches, 3890 runs, 38.90 average, 6 hundreds, 23 fifties, 264 high score
The holder of the record for the highest score in a ODI has always been a prodigious talent. Unfortunately though, fans have not always seen enough of him as he had a tendency to throw his wicket away will nonchalant lapses. However, many feel he has turned the corner after his mammoth double hundred, and he’s scored runs recently too against Australia in Melbourne.
Odds – $21.00
8. Brendon McCullum
240 matches, 5480 runs, 30.27 average, 5 hundreds, 27 fifties, 166 high score
The New Zealand captain has transformed his side from World Cup also-rans into genuine contenders, and the belief he has in his side is very much evident in his own approach to batting. In the Warner mould, McCullum has opted to open the innings for his side at this World Cup and deliver the type of flyers that are likely to lend themselves to big totals. McCullum has delivered rapid runs in test cricket over the past 12 months and just needs to build on the cameos he’s contributed during the recent Sri Lanka and Pakistan series’ in order to guide his side to the trophy.
Odds – $15.00
9. Mahela Jayawardene
441 matches, 12525 runs, 33.48 average, 18 hundreds, 77 fifties, 144 high score
The second veteran in the Sri Lankan middle order is Mahela Jayawardene. The vastly experience stroke- maker is one of the best batsman to watch when in full flight and Sri Lankan fans and neutrals will be hoping for plenty of crease time for the diminutive right hander. The World Cup swan song is the perfect opportunity for Jayawardene to end his exemplary career on a high. Jayawardene also has a history of big game runs and in the 2011 Cricket World Cup final made an epic hundred.
Odds – $34.00
10. Steven Smith
50 matches, 1147 runs, 35.84 average, 3 hundreds, 3 fifties, 104 high score
Probably the most improved cricket on the face of the planet. Once a bit part leg spinner, table end slogger and specialist fielder, Smith is now a world class batsman in every format of the game. He’s in the form of his life after a dominant test and ODI series against India (and England). Has a strange technique that opposition bowlers struggle to adapt to and has developed an uncanny knack of hitting it to difficult areas of the ground. His pre-delivery movement opens up the entire ground for both cute glances an power blows.
Odds – $13.00
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
