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The ICC Champions Trophy is underway in Pakistan, with India set to start their campaign in Dubai against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, after the home team’s third straight loss against the Black Caps within three weeks, former cricket legends Shane Watson and Eoin Morgan shared their predictions for the ‘mini World Cup’ happening across the Arabian Sea.
Shane Watson, a two-time Champions Trophy winner (2006 and 2009), was quick to name India as one of the top contenders for the title in Dubai, given the depth of their squad.
“When it comes to Champions Trophy favourites, it has to be India,” he said at the launch of the International Masters League in Navi Mumbai. “With Hardik Pandya coming in as a fast bowler and all-rounder, India have bolstered their squad. Except for Bumrah, which is unfortunate, India’s squad is pretty similar to the one they played with in the 2023 World Cup, where they dominated until the final.”
However, Watson did not overlook Australia, despite concerns over their bowling line-up for the tournament. “I remain confident about Australia, and they certainly know how to turn up in big tournaments. So, I would be surprised not to see them thereabouts.”
Australia will take the field without their three-pronged pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and captain Pat Cummins, who opted to recover from injuries. Meanwhile, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from the fifty-over format just days before the tournament began.
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Watson’s English counterpart, however, had different picks alongside India for the Champions Trophy.
“I can’t really pick any holes in their side, and I know that’s been the case in the last couple of tournaments. They reached the final in Ahmedabad, where Australia edged them out, and then there was the T20 World Cup, where they snatched victory from South Africa’s hands,” said former World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan. “You have to believe that winning trophies and tasting champagne breed confidence because once you’ve been there, you believe you can do it again. That’s why they are the favourites.”
He also considers the home team and reigning champions, Pakistan, to be among the top contenders for the tournament. “Never rule Pakistan out—home conditions will favour them,” he added.
Pakistan, however, are already in trouble after a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the opener. They will now travel to Dubai to face India in a must-win game to keep their tournament hopes alive.
In Morgan’s defence, at the time of the press conference, New Zealand were struggling at 45-2, with Kane Williamson dismissed cheaply. However, Pakistan eventually lost the opener by 60 runs.
Morgan also believes his home team, England, could do well in the tournament and pose a strong challenge for the title.
“They haven’t been in great form for a while, but Brendon McCullum has just taken over, and in a short space of time, it’s hard to achieve much. They play Australia on Saturday—a side without their star bowlers. So, I’d imagine that whoever wins that match (and I think England will) could go on a bit of a roll,” he said.