Like many former cricketers having a social presence, former England captain Michael Vaughan, too, gave his predictions for the World Cup 2023. However, his prediction got him a bit of trolling, most notably from the former Australia batsman Mark Waugh.
The World Cup 2023 will kick-start on October 5 with a repeat of the last edition’s final: England taking on New Zealand; the game will take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Michael Vaughan made an interesting prediction about the semi-finalists. While he had the two favorites for the title, India and England, in his semi-final prediction, Vaughan shockingly omitted the third favorite team, Australia, from his semi-final prediction.
Michael Vaughan reckons not Australia, but instead, South Africa and Pakistan will make it to the semis alongside India and England.
“Can’t wait for the World Cup to start this week .. My 4 semi finalists will be … England South Africa India Pakistan .. #CWC2023,” Vaughan tweeted.
This prediction of excluding Australia from the semi-final favorites blew up and Vaughan’s mentions included plenty of Ashes banter from fans.
World Cup 2023: Michael Vaughan gets trolled by Mark Waugh for his semi-final prediction
One reply on this tweet came in from Australia’s legendary batsman Mark Waugh, the brother of former skipper Steve Waugh.
Not seeing Australia in Vaughan’s semi-final prediction, Mark Waugh replied, “You’ve lost your marbles.”
Meanwhile, Vaughan also believes that India are the team to be in this tournament. The 2005 Ashes-winning skipper opined that whichever team manages to beat India will go on and lift the trophy eventually.
“It’s quite clear to me… Whoever beats #India will win the WC… India’s batting lineup on Indian pitches is ridiculous… Plus they have all the bowling options covered… it’s the only the pressure of the burden that could stop them,” he said.
India were in sensational form last month, winning the Asia Cup 2023 and also defeated Australia 2-1 in the ODI series.
