4 Reasons why India can win the 2019 Cricket World Cup

3. The demise of Australia

Steve Smith's absence will cost Australia badly in 2019

The Capetown Saga has virtually broken the back of the Australian ODI team. With the two best batters out of the side, the Australian team has been left to lick its wounds.

The Aussies are always a force to reckon with in the 50-over World Cups and were expected to raise their game once again in 2019 but the Smith-Warner absence has virtually ruled them out. While Justin Langer still has a year left to reshape the squad, it won't be an easy task. The banned duo is still eligible to take part in the tournament, but the lack of match practice for a year is bound to take its toll.

Also, the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn and Tim Paine have failed to perform in the international circuit with consistency. It would be a lot to ask them to replace the talent and experience that Warner and Smith bought to the side.