Arthur: In-form Australia can win World Cup

Australia have now won eight consecutive ODI matches and Mickey Arthur backed his former team to make a splash at the Cricket World Cup.

Published : Apr 01, 2019 10:54 IST

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur believes Australia is "definitely" capable of winning the Cricket World Cup following its one-day international series sweep.

Australia completed a 5-0 whitewash of Arthur's Pakistan thanks to Sunday's 20-run victory in the fifth and final ODI in Dubai.

Usman Khawaja (98), captain Aaron Finch (53), Shaun Marsh (61) and Glenn Maxwell (70) starred as Australia reached 327-7, with Pakistan limited to 307-7 in 50 overs.

Australia have now won eight consecutive ODI matches and Arthur backed his former team to make a splash at the World Cup, which gets underway in May.

READ| World Cup selection will be 'brutally unlucky' for some, warns Langer

"I definitely think they are [capable of winning the World Cup]. They're travelling really well," Arthur said. "All the final jigsaw parts are coming together nicely.

"Australia look a very, very good side They will be a threat at the World Cup ... I think there's up to seven teams that can win the World Cup."

Steve Smith and David Warner are available for selection having served 12-month bans for their roles in last year's ball-tampering scandal.

Pat Cummins has been rested ahead of the showpiece tournament, while fellow paceman Mitchell Starc is hoping to be fit.

"You get Warner and Smith back, you put Starc and Cummins back into that line-up. It's pretty formidable," added Arthur, whose Pakistan were led by Haris Sohail's century.

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