England legend Nasser Hussain has named six players who will deliver at the World Cup
England legend Nasser Hussain has named six players who will deliver at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

England legend Nasser Hussain has named six players he expects to shine at the upcoming World Cup.

The ten best ODI teams on the planet will compete for the 50-over World Cup over the next six weeks, with host nation England the pre-tournament favourites.

Former England captain Hussain is expecting big performances from Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Rashid Khan and Jasprit Bumrah.

Kohli is considered one of the best players of his generation, while fellow Indian Bumrah is the top bowler in the world across all three formats.

West Indies' Chris Gayle celebrates after he scored half a century against England during the fifth One Day International cricket match at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Chris Gayle will retire from ODIs following the tournament (Picture: Getty)

Williamson has led New Zealand superbly since Brendon McCullum’s retirement and is one of the game’s most prolific batsmen.

West Indies legend Gayle will hope to perform in his final World Cup, and will have support from Indian Premier League star all-rounder Russell.

Afghanistan are hoping to be the surprise package at the World Cup and can call upon one of the best white-ball spinners in the world in Rashid.

Asked which players he expects to stand out at the 2019 World Cup, Hussain told Sky Sports: ‘I think Gayle will want to do something very special.

Virat Kohli will hope to lead India to a third World Cup title
Virat Kohli will hope to lead India to a third World Cup title (Picture: Getty)

‘Russell has been out of the West Indies set up but is a fantastic player. Rashid Khan from Afghanistan is one of the best white-ball bowlers in the world.

‘Another top bowler is Bumrah – he absolutely nails his yorkers and death bowling will be key throughout the tournament.

‘Kane Williamson, that quiet, smiling assassin from New Zealand… he always scores runs. And the greatest player in the world is in town in Virat Kohli.’

Hosts England, defending champions Australia and two-time winners India are the three favourites just nine days ahead of the World Cup but Hussain says a number of teams are capable of producing upsets.

‘Anyone on their day can beat you,’ the ex-England batsman added. ‘Don’t write off Afghanistan and West Indies.

‘England will go into the tournament knowing they have to be good throughout. Make sure you get the points in the bag.

‘They will get through to the knockout stages I think. But then it’s a one-off game and anyone can beat anyone.

‘England’s recent record is phenomenal though and they will be confident.’