Herschelle Gibbs Backs India, England to Win 2019 ICC World Cup

Herschelle Gibbs has named India and hosts England as the strong contenders to win the ICC World Cup starting May 30.

(Photo: AP)

Former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs named India and hosts England as the two strong contenders to win the upcoming ICC World Cup starting May 30.

"It is always wide open. The two standout contenders will be England and India. But, who is going to make the other two places for the semi-finals? It is difficult to say. A lot depends on the weather in England. The bowling attacks will all play a part (in the tournament)," the 44-year-old Gibbs said on Monday.

Asked about South Africa's chances, Gibbs said that it is not about AB de Villiers' absence that will be key but more so about the lack of quality all-rounder.

"We (South Africa) are always up there irrespective of ABD. We have got Faf (Du Plessis) and Quinton de Kock. The only issue for South Africa is not having an all-rounder," Gibbs said.

Recently, ICC chairman Shashank Manohar expressed his concerns about Test cricket's future but Gibbs begged to differ.

"Test cricket is (still going) strong. I don't know why people say you need to revive it? I am a big fan of Test cricket finishing in four days. It need not go on for full five days."

However the veteran of 90 Tests and 248 ODIs, wants batsmen to be challenged more in the longest format.

"The batsmen around the world get it easy in ODIs and T20. If they need to fight on sporting tracks in Test cricket, so be it. Sometime the game finishes in two days, when the pitch is offering turn. I don't mind that," the dashing right-hander said.