India, South Africa favourites to win World Cup: Parore

WELLINGTON - Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Adam Parore has said that India’s deep batting line up and their ability to play spin better makes them one of the favourites to win the World Cup.

Parore further said that South Africa is the other favourite team despite not having a good record in big tournaments, and added that the Graeme Smith led team traditionally plays well in the sub-continent.

“India is in terrific shape and who would be surprised if the pitches suit the advantages they have in bowling and facing spin,” NZ Herald quoted Parore, a saying.

“They have so many options and players to rely on in the batting department. They also have a huge amount of experience so the pressure they will face from their fanatical fans won’t get to them,” he said.

Talking about South Africa’s chances, Parore said: “South Africa don’t have a good record in big tournaments but they traditionally do well in the sub-continent. They are strong in all departments, including fielding.”

“I don’t expect any unheralded players to grab the limelight - the tournament stars will come from the ranks of the famous, Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, M.S. Dhoni,” he added.

Commenting on defending champion Australia’s chances, Parore said Australia was shaping up quite well, but after a comprehensive series win over England, the Australians had fallen back in the World Cup warm-up games. Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke are in the runs again, which is ominous because the way to win a World Cup is to have your best players firing. Considering their overall lineup, I don’t think they play spin bowling well enough to win,” he said. (ANI)