Michael Vaughan backs South Africa to win World Cup but on one condition

Given Proteas' recent performances, Faf du Plessis has already said he does not have much expectations from the event.

Published - 04 Mar 2019, 10:28 IST | Updated - 04 Mar 2019, 10:28 IST

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South Africa’s performance in One-Day Internationals has been far from being convincing in recent times. Not very long ago, the Proteas were a force to reckon with in the 50-overs format but things have changed in the last one year or so. The Faf du Plessis-led side has managed to get the results in its favour but a closer look at the game will make it clear that they are not at their lethal best.

In 2017, they couldn’t even progress ahead of the group stage in the ICC Champions Trophy. A few months later, India thrashed them by 5-1 in their own backyard. Wins over Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe provided some much-needed solace before Pakistan recently threatened to beat them again at home. Pakistan had given the Proteas a mighty scare before going down 2-3 in the five-match series.

What has further made things tough for South Africa was the sudden retirement of their batting stalwart AB de Villiers and the poor form of Hashim Amla and other notable names. However, former England skipper Michael Vaughan feels the African country could all the way in England and Wales but on one condition.

Vaughan had predicted the teams that he thinks can win the World Cup after legendary spinner Shane Warne said Australia could defend their title. Vaughan felt that one of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, West Indies and hosts England could win the competition.

I agree … Australia,NZ,Pakistan,India & West Indies & England … Anyone of those 6 are winning the WC … !! still fancy England if they find some smartness !!! 👍👍. https://t.co/haMBYepKxI
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 3, 2019

This is when one fan asked Vaughan: “You don’t consider South Africa as potential challengers?”

You don’t consider South Africa as potential challengers?
— zaheer (@ZaheerDaniels) March 3, 2019

In reply, Vaughan tweeted: “Only if @ABdeVilliers17 & Ingram come back …”

Only if @ABdeVilliers17 & Ingram come back … https://t.co/GCn2miXqCO
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 3, 2019

While de Villiers has retired from international cricket, Colin Ingram’s international career is off the track after he signed a Kolpak deal with Glamorgan in 2014. However, the left-handed batsman, who played 31 ODIs and nine T20Is between 2010 and 2013, recently expressed his desire of playing for South Africa again.

Lowered expectations in World Cup:

Given South Africa’s recent performances, their skipper Faf du Plessis has already said he does not have much expectations from the showpiece event.

“We will go with a little bit less pressure on us as a team in terms of the expectation of winning it,” Du Plessis had said during the series against Pakistan. “It is pretty clear that England and India are the two favourites. We are a young group and the guys are just excited about the opportunity.”

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