ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Power Rankings 4 months from the tournament

#3 South Africa

Key Players: Quinton De Kock, Kagiso Rabada

Quinton De Kock blasting the ball into the stands and Kagiso Rabada blasting out batsmen could be a common theme this World Cup, and it will need to be if they are to lift their tag as perennial World Cup chokers. De Kock has established himself as one of the premier ODI batsmen in the world, combining aggression with elegance. Rabada also exerts aggression and pace combined with accuracy and patience.

Keys to success: Mentally strong (forget the curse), taking advantage of their batting line up.

It's no secret that the World Cup presents more of a mental challenge for the Proteas than any other nation. This time again they will have one of the best teams on paper in the tournament. If they can control the mental aspect of their campaign, it will go a long way towards winning the tournament. Taking advantage of their batting is also key. South Africa also have a perfectly balanced batting line up. The aggression of De Kock and Miller, combined with the finesse of Amla, Du Plessis and others present a formidable task for any bowling attack.

#2 England

Key Players: Joe Root, Adil Rashid

One of the least talked about players since Englands ODI revolution, Joe Root will be key to England's success as they chase their elusive first title. With hitters such as Roy, Hales, Morgan, Buttler and Ali in the side, the stability and rhythm that Root brings to England's batting will be vital to the consistency of the star-studded batting line up throughout the campaign. Adil Rashid also looms large as a key player. English pitches are taking more turn now than ever. If there's any bowler that can rip through a batting line up when there is turn, it's Rashid. A big match winning bowling spell is more than possible if he can land his wrong’un and bowl with consistency.

Keys to success: Aggression with the bat, smart options with the ball

More than any other team, England have the ability to blow a team away with the bat. They back themselves to score 350+ with ease especially in their home conditions. It's this mindset that could hold the key to their maiden World Cup victory. With so much firepower in their batting, all England's bowling attack needs to do is be smart. Rather than try to be heroes, if they are capable of stringing together dot balls, and restricting batsmen to hitting one side of the ground to their field that’s set, a maiden title is certainly not out of the question.