The ICC World Cup 2019 is 8 days away! It is every cricketers dream to not only represent their team at a World Cup, but to be a part of a World Cup winning team. For some, the dream comes true; but for many it remains just that... a dream.

This World Cup will be the last for a number of cricketers. Here is a look at those who will most likely be taking part in their last ever World Cup.



AUSTRALIA

Shaun Marsh
Despite making his debut in 2008, this will be Shaun Marsh's first ever World Cup; and most likely his last too considering he will be close to 40 by 2023. He has represented Australia in 70 odd ODIs in over a decade and has been in and out of the team due to indifferent form. He goes into the World Cup as part of the defending champions team.

He may not be a sure starter in Australia's first XI, but he would definitely be looking forward to making the most of this first, and probably last opportunity.

INDIA

MS Dhoni
Not only will this be Dhoni's last World Cup, at the age of 37, it may be the last we see of Dhoni as an international cricketer. He has had a distinguished career and is already a World Cup winner. This will be his 4th World Cup and from the lows of 2007 when he witnessed his house being stoned after India were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages to the highs of 2011 when he led India to its second World Cup win, Dhoni has seen it all.

He will definitely be looking to sign off from India's international duties by adding another World Cup to his long list of achievements.

NEW ZEALAND

Ross Taylor
Also playing his 4th World Cup, Taylor will be 39 by the time of the next World Cup. He was part of the team that lost the final at the previous World Cup in 2015 and being New Zealand's most experience player, he would want to make that right the last time he represents his team in a World Cup.

PAKISTAN

Shoaib Malik
He is one of the only two cricketers who made their ODI debut in the previous century and are still playing. The other being Chris Gayle.

Despite playing for Pakistan for two decades, Malik has played only 3 World Cup matches, in 2007. For someone who has been around for so long, this would have been his 5th World Cup, but it is only his 2nd and definitely his last. He may still continue to play T20s for Pakistan, but this will be the last time he represents Pakistan in ODIs.

He will be looking to call time on his ODI career with a World Cup win, which will complete his ICC triple having been part of Pakistan's teams that won the ICC World T20 and ICC Champions Trophy.

Mohammad Hafeez
Hafeez has served Pakistan for 16 years and this World Cup is likely his last international assignment. He has been a great servant for Pakistan and has represented them in two previous World Cups in 2007 and 2011. He was part of the squad in 2015 as well but had to miss the World Cup due to injury.

Hafeez played a vital role in Pakistan's Champions Trophy win in 2017 and he will be looking to do the same during his swansong appearance for Pakistan.

SOUTH AFRICA

Faf Du Plessis, JP Duminy, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir
At the ages of 34, 35, 36, 35, and 40 respectively, these 5 are unlikely to be part of South Africa's campaign in 2023. This also makes South Africa the team with the highest average age in this World Cup.

This quintet will try to achieve what none of their predecessors could. The likes of Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Graeme Smith, AB De Villiers and many more all left the game without a World Cup win. A dream that has remained elusive to South Africa, despite being one of the best, if not the best, ODI outfit during many a World Cup.

SRI LANKA

Lasith Malinga
He is at the tail end of his international career and this will surely be his last appearance for Sri Lanka in ODIs. This will be Malinga's 4th World Cup. He has represented Sri Lanka in two World Cup finals, in 2007 and 2011, both of which Sri Lanka lost. That will not be the memory he would want to go into retirement with.

WEST INDIES

Chris Gayle
The man, the universe boss, the legend! He is one of the greatest limited overs batsman of this era and at 39 this is the last time he will represent West Indies in international cricket. With this being his 5th World Cup, Gayle will be the most experienced World Cup cricketer over the next 6 weeks in the UK.

He has already made his intentions clear and he plans to retire from the game with a bang! We should expect no less from him given his recent form. He already has two World T20 wins under his belt and would love to end his international career with a World Cup win.


As all these stars bid adieu to the game at the end of World Cup 2019, there will be new stars that will emerge and make a name for themselves. Till that happens, here's hoping that all these cricketers can entertain us for one final time on the biggest cricketing stage there is.

England are chasing 294 against the Kiwis.

Australia are defending 286 against the Windies.

The 2009 Ashes are going to be very competitive!

With the way the English have batted during this series, they can probably play out the 180 overs over the next 2 days and draw the match.

They have been quite abysmal thus far and will do well to chase down that score against Vettori, who already has 6 wickets in the match, on a turning wicket.

Ross Taylor top scored in the match for the Kiwis earning me a point in Sportsfreak's tipping competition for bloggers for the 2nd test.

If England win and Vettori doesn't take anymore wickets I'll get a few more points for predicting the right winner and Panesar picking up the most wickets in the match.

But I don't see that happening. I see another Vettori 5-for and the Kiwis going 1 up with 1 to play.

The Aussies got to 431 in their 1st innings, which was more than what I thought they would get considering there was no Hayden, no Clarke, no Gilchrist.

In the 2nd innings the Aussies were bowled out for 167 a few moments back. That was lower than what I thought they would get.

The Windies must fancy their chances of chasing down 287 in a day and a half. If they can play out McGill, I think they should be able to get there.

Chanderpaul is in outstanding form, while Sarwan is, more often than not, at his best when chasing a total.

An exciting day and a half of test cricket awaits us. And the results of the 2 matches could surprise us all.

And then they said no one will watch the tests because of the 20-20 popularity.

After about a month of Slam Wham Bam, in just over 12 hours from now, cricket returns to its much more sedate roots of test cricket as the touring New Zealand side take on England.

The pure traditionalist cricket fan, who had to bear with the IPL frenzy and the "non-cricket" that is known as 20-20 cricket for the last month or so, will be delighted.

Whereas the pure modern day viewer would be so absorbed by the Indian Premier League, he wouldn't even know a test series is about to begin.

As for myself, a crazy cricket fan, any and all kinds of cricket is eagerly awaited and welcomed. The more the better. I'd switch and flip and chop and change and watch a bit of both with interest.

Which one are you?

The Pure Traditionalist?
The Modern Day Viewer?
The Crazy Cricket Fan?

Whichever one you are, I'll give you a few reasons as to why you should catch a bit of the action from the 1st test between England and New Zealand.

1. The England Summer

It's the first test of the summer, the first of the new cricket season, and it's at Lord's. You shouldn't need another reason. But I'll give you more anyway.

2. The Tim Southee

Three months ago, this boy was playing in the U19 World Cup and ended as its leading wicket taker.

Two months ago this boy made his test debut against England in New Zealand.

He picked up 5 wickets on his 1st day in test cricket.

On his 5th day in test cricket he played an entertaining knock of 77 with 9 sixes!

New Zealand produces very few exciting cricketers who are world class players and entertain at the same time. Chris Cairns, Nathan Astle, and Shane Bond are a few from the last decade. Tim Southee is one of the few for the next.

3. The Ross Taylor

He is another one for the next decade.

Taylor made his test debut late last year against South Africa and hit his maiden ton against England earlier this year. He was New Zealand's top scorer in that series.

He's a very exciting batsman as he showed during his several cameos in the IPL.

I reckon he will be the backbone of the Kiwis' batting line up for a long time to come.

4. The Kevin Pieterson

All I want to see is how badly is his blood boiling after watching his best friend Shane Warne and his enemy #1 Graeme Smith play for the same IPL franchise.

5. The Unknown

There are a number of unknowns in the New Zealand side. I'd be surprised if people outside NZ have heard of Aaron Redmond or Daniel Flynn.

Its always exciting to watch new talent at the the highest level of cricket.

6. The Underdog

A large section of the British media have termed this New Zealand side as the weakest ever team to tour England.

Sure the Kiwis are depleted without the big names like Fleming, Astle, McMillian, Styris, Vincent, Bond all playing in 20-20 leagues, but they can't be taken lightly. Can they?

There is always a certain charm associated with supporting the underdog. Everyone wants them to do well.

I am no different. I wish the Kiwis well. And I hope they prove the British media wrong by winning a test or two.

7. The Sportsfreak

Last but not least, Sportsfreak, the only Kiwi blogger around, is running a little competition on his website.

Its a competition for bloggers. The Likes of Uncle J from Cricket with Balls, Miss Field, and Suave from Republique Cricket are taking part. We are in it too.

These added on attractions like super selector games, fantasy cricket, bet365, bets with office colleagues, and Sportsfreak competition make a cricket series all the more exciting.

Root for Q, root for Well Pitched to win Sportsfreak's competition.

Root for the underdog, root for the Kiwis to win the test series. Or Draw it, that way I win too.