With the teams entering the final phase of their preparations for next year's World Cup, cricketing great Ian Chappell has said defending champions India, Australia and South Africa are the favourites to win the game's showpiece event.
"As teams enter the home straight in preparation for next year's World Cup, it seems that three of the big names are in an advanced state of readiness and a fourth is primed for an early exit," Chappell wrote in his column in 'ESPNcricinfo'.
"The winner is likely to come from the trio of Australia, India and South Africa, with captaincy playing a role in any success, whilst West Indies is the dark horse. As for England, captaincy is likely to play a part in the dark days ahead, and the outstanding feature of their World Cup trophy cabinet is likely remain a 39-year-old piece of velvet carpet," the former Australian captain said.
The cricketer-turned commentator said that the leading teams -- India and Australia -- are in good shape partly because of strong leadership.
Chappell asserted that despite Mahendra Singh Dhoni's obvious flaws as a Test captain, he is still an excellent leader in the shorter forms of the game.
He argued that Dhoni will have to overcome some of the team's perceived shortcomings to win back-to-back World Cups.
"Though they are the defending champions, there are lingering doubts about India's ability on bouncy pitches. Is the batting up to it and do they have the pace bowling firepower to utilise these conditions? The seam bowling will suffice in New Zealand's more friendly conditions but in Australia they may be found out.
"If India can survive long enough they might be rewarded with a semi-final against Australia at the SCG; that would be their best chance of consecutive final appearances," he said.
