Prediction: India squad of 15

Indian squad for the World Cup will most likely be composed of: 3 openers, 4 middle-order batsman, 1 wicket keeper, 2 all-rounders, 1 spinner and 4 seamers. Going through the list of 30 probables (and I don't see any surprises from outside of it), it is fairly easy to predict the 11 that will take the field in Adelaide on Feb 15th but there are few options for remaining 4 slots. Let's start with easy pickings -

1 Spinner - R. Ashwin will be the default spinner and any others could be classified as all-rounders (for this list at least)
1 Wicket keeper - M.S. Dhoni

4 Middle order batsman - V. Kohli,  A. Rahane, S Raina.  The fourth spot could go to one of Ambati Rayadu and R. Uthappa and I think A. Rayadu will take it.

2 all-rounders - R. Jadeja (provided he is fit) and then toss up between S. Binny and A. Patel. I would choose A. Patel for his ability to bowl 10 tight overs and decent capability with the bat. K.Sharma may be an outsider with his leg-breaks.

3 openers - S. Dhawan and R. Sharma will be starters based on recent ODI form. But M. Vijay's test performances may add him as back up. R. Uthappa could be considered as outsider for this position.

4 seamers - India would need 3 seamers in every game and my first 3 picks will be B. Kumar, I. Sharma, U. Yadav. I think M. Shami may have edge over V. Aaron and M.Sharma.

(the ones in italics form the starting 11).

UPDATE: The selectors opted for an extra-all rounder (Binny) instead of third opener (Vijay). Fair enough.

First look: England

England were the first team to announce their squad of fifteen for the WC 2015. They will be under a new captain - Eoin Morgan and I believe that is a step in the right direction. Having never won a world cup, their last best performance was in 1992 WC held in Aus-NZ.

A look at the squad ....

Overall the squad has good options and combinations which is plus for a tournament of this nature. It would be best to open with Moeen Ali, given his success recently and one of Alex Hales/Gary Ballance. With Bell, Root and Morgan in middle order to provide stability, Bopara and Butler and one of Woakes/Jordan should be a decent lower order. Broad, Tredwell and Anderson should complete the first 11. Steve Finn could be an option to bolster the bowling.

Strengths - I think England bowling will do well in Aus/NZ conditions and they've plenty of experience in that. Tredwell and Moen Ali can provide spin options and with Finn in the wings, they've  a decent attack. In Morgan and  Butler, they have couple of the cleanest hitters in the game but would like their batsman to be consistent.

Weaknesses - I don't believe the English batting has the class of some of the other teams and they would need a consistently firing top order and great finishing from their captain and couple other players to consistently post good totals.

Prediction - I think they will finish 4th in their pool and have a tough battle in QFs. I don't see them getting through to the semis but you never know if they have a good day. Overall, I think it is a decent squad and should do well but would find it difficult to finish in top 4.