Top 3 contenders to win the 2019 Cricket World Cup 

Even though the 2019 World Cup is ten months away, the teams have already started their preparations. The 12th edition of ODI cricket World Cup is expected to be the most competitive one as all teams look evenly matched and thus some close contests are on the cards.

However, some teams are bound to have a better chance of winning the title than others. While some teams have been in good form off late and have been continuously putting up strong performances, other teams' preparations have hit a roadblock because of some unfortunate turn of events.

While defending champions Australia suffered a major blow because of the ban on Steve Smith and David Warner, South Africa are going to find it difficult to cope with Ab de Villiers's absence in the middle order. So will these factors affect their chances in the World Cup next year? These are the top 3 contenders for winning World Cup 2019.

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#3 New Zealand

New Zealand seems to have covered all the bases

The spirit with which New Zealand has played its cricket in the last few years has won a lot of hearts in the cricket fraternity. Apart from winning hearts off the field, New Zealand has won a lot of matches on the field too.

Brendon McCullum, the former Kiwi skipper, adopted a bold and fearless approach in the 2015 World Cup and inspired teams like England to do the same. Kane Williamson has carried that legacy forward and has helped New Zealand cricket reach new heights. The Black Caps have put up consistent performances in the last couple of years and they look good to lift their first World Cup title.

The experience of batsmen like captain Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill will hold the side in good stead in pressure situations in the World Cup. While the Kiwis have a fabulous pace-attack in Trent Boult and Tim Southee who can destroy any batting line-up in the world, all-rounders like Mitchell Santer, Colin Munro and Colin de Grandhomme will provide flexibility to the side. They also happen to have the best fielding unit.

#2 India

India has been dominant under Virat Kohli

The Virat Kohli led-Indian side will go into the World Cup as one of the favourites to win the coveted title. The Indian team, which was considered to be strong only playing in sub-continental conditions, has been putting up strong performances in overseas conditions too. The ODI series win against South Africa in their own backyard is an example of India's newfound ability to perform in any condition.

One of the prime reasons for this vast improvement is India's bowling. Indian bowlers have long struggled in overseas conditions, especially bowling in the death. But with the emergence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, that issue is sorted out. In Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, India has one of the most potent spin bowling attacks in the world.

Batting has always been India's forte and it continues to be so. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are one of the most successful opening pairs India has ever had. And with stalwarts like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in the side, Indian fans can certainly hope for the third World Cup title.

#1 England

England has looked invincible, especially playing at home

A few years ago England wasn't taken seriously in ODI cricket, but this has reversed with time. They have become a dynamic ODI side which has played its cricket with an aggressive intent. The current ODI team is considered to be the best England ever had. The team performed exceedingly well both at home and away.

Especially playing at home England has looked invincible. A testimony to this is their whitewash over arch-rivals Australia and 2-1 series win against a formidable Indian side in the recently concluded ODI series.

Jason Roy, Johnny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler have the ability to win matches singlehandedly. While in Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid they have a strong spin attack. They also have a barrage of fast bowlers who can be highly effective in home conditions.

Apart from this, they have arguably the best all-rounder in the world, Ben Stokes, in their side. Considering all these factors, England looks to be the prime contender to win their maiden World Cup trophy.