Wasim Akram calls England 'favourites' to win World Cup 2023

Pakistan's former fast bowler Wasim Akram thinks England are favourites to win this year's World Cup in India. 

In his latest interview, the Sultan of Swing said England have all basis covered according to Indian conditions. 

"I have to say that England are the favourites," said Akram. "They (England) have got good spin options. They have got good players who play spin nicely. They have got good variations with the seam bowlers, Jofra Archer coming back (from injury) is huge. And Mark Wood is bowling at 90 miles per hour. So I think England have got the experience," the cricketer-turned-commentator added. 

However, Akram still believes that India could be a force to reckon in home conditions. "India will be a threat. If they can commit to an aggressive style, India are going to be a formidable force in home conditions," he mentioned. 

While talking about Pakistan's strength for World Cup, Akram said the green shirts have strong bowling attack. 

"Our captain is a great player and we have one of the best fast-bowling lineups in the world," he said. "Shaheen Afridi is currently in prime form. He has led his team to victory in the PSL for the second time. He is developing pretty well as an all-rounder. Then there is Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Mohammad Hasnain is there, Ihsanullah is an exciting young fast bowler. I think because the World Cup is happening in India, it is the team with the stronger bowling attack that will succeed because the pitches tend to be batter friendly," he concluded. 

India will host this year's World Cup in October-November. England will defend their title. 

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