Will spinners win 2023 Cricket World Cup? Detailed look at the spin options for ODI CWC favourites

The carpet will soon be rolled over for the ODI World Cup 2023. There is not much time left in the opening match of the tournament, which is scheduled between England and New Zealand on October 5 in Ahmedabad.

As the World Cup will be staged in India this time, expect it to break all records as far as run-scoring is concerned. Known for the flat nature of its pitches, India can be a paradise for the batters.

More: Bet on ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and other cricket matches here!

​​​​​​However, to counter the batters, spinners would play a key role. The competition is spread across 10 venues, which include Lucknow, Chennai and Delhi. These stadiums could become hunting grounds for the spinners, offering a considerable amount of help to them off the surface.

"Spin to win" could be the mantra of the sides and the ones with the best line-up of the tweakers would be able to produce desired results.

Let's analyse the spin-bowling attack of all 10 participating teams in the ODI World Cup 2023.

India

Boasting a potent line-up of spinners, India besides being a top ODI team, probably is better than most of the other sides on this aspect as well. They have varied types of spinners in their ranks. A chinaman wrist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm spinner in Ravindra Jadeja and an off-spinner in Ravichandran Ashwin, the diversity and quality in this attack is top-notch.

Their advantage of bowling in home conditions makes them all the more dangerous.

England

Another title contender, England, have a decent spin-bowling attack but might not be their greatest strength. All-rounder options like Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone are capable but might be expensive bowlers on batting-friendly wickets. However, Adil Rashid is a terrific spinner and a great wicket-taking option. But leg-spinners tend to be expensive, especially on Indian pitches. The lack of a left-arm option might hurt Englnad, though.

Australia 

Ashton Agar's injury has hurt Australia a lot. There are now banking upon only two spinners to do the job for them. While everyone knows what Adam Zampa is capable of, Glenn Maxwell is much more than a part-time spinner. Although these two can form a great pair, the lack of options do not hold Australia in a great stead. They have someone like Marnus Labuschagne but Australia cannot trust him enough to hand him the ball in a crunch World Cup match.

Pakistan

Certainly the worst among all the teams that we have discussed so far, the Pakistan spinners are not coming across well on any front. Even the leader of this contingent Shadab Khan is in the middle of a horrible phase. The poor form of the other main spinner Mohammad Nawaz is not an ominous sign either. To compensate for their unsatisfactory returns, Pakistan often throws to the ball to Iftikhar Ahmed, who is a part-timer off-spinner and will not be the safest of bets on the Indian pitches.

New Zealand 

You expect consistency from New Zealand and their spin-bowling line-up is no different. Both Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner have fond memories of the last time a World Cup took place in India and they would want to ride on that. 

MORE: Cricket World Cup 2023: Complete fixture schedule, match dates, times and results for ICC ODI event in India

South Africa

The South Africa spinners could break open any batting line-up. But remember, you cannot pin too much hopes on them. Tabraiz Shamsi has an awful record in India. Aiden Markram blows hot and cold. Maharaj is their best bet but can he alone be enough for South Africa to succeed?

Afghanistan 

Many pundits are expecting Afghanistan to pull off a few upsets in the upcoming World Cup. And they are predicting so because of the spin-bowling attack they possess. Rashid Khan is the best leg-spinner going around in white-ball cricket currently. Mujeeb ur Rahman can wreak havoc with his off-spin. Noor Ahmad is a prodigy and Mohammad Nabi can also chip in with a few overs without releasing the pressure created by the other bowlers.

Sri Lanka

Just like Afghanistan, Sri Lanka by any means do not have many chances of winning the World Cup. But they can gather a few victories, especially on the surfaces, which aid spin. Teams need to be wary of their spinners.

Bangladesh 

Another Asian team, Bangladesh, have a formidable spin unit. They can wreak havoc in India. However, there is no wrist spinner and this could one of the chinks in their armour.

Netherlands 

The Netherlands have a whole lot of spin bowling options. It is a luxury that they enjoy. They have most dimensions covered here. But, their inexperience of playing in India could work against them.

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