Jos Buttler believes West Indies and Afghanistan will produce shocks at the World Cup.
Pre-tournament favourites England kick-started their campaign with a 104-run victory over South Africa at The Oval on Thursday.
After posting 311-8 – with Ben Stokes, Jason Roy, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan all scoring fifties – England bowled the Proteas out for 207.
England, India and Australia are all expected to progress to the semi-finals but Buttler, who made 18 against South Africa, says West Indies and Afghanistan are capable of causing upsets.
‘The teams to watch out for in the World Cup are West Indies and Afghanistan,’ wicketkeeper-batsman Buttler told Cricket World on Wednesday.
‘Windies have some huge power hitters with Chris Gayle and Andre Russell. Afghanistan’s bowling attack will upset a few teams.’
Asked to rate England’s chances at this World Cup, Buttler said: ‘My expectations for England this summer is that we are going to go all the way.
‘It’s a great time for us as a country and is really exciting for cricket and gives us an opportunity to really inspire the next generation.’
On England’s key players in the tournament, Buttler added: ‘Jason Roy at the top of the order I think is one of the most exciting players in the world.
‘And Adil Rashid with the ball, spins it both ways and looks to take wickets.’
England captain Eoin Morgan, meanwhile, praised the performances of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer after the emphatic victory over South Africa at The Oval.
‘Stokes has had a day out, even that catch at the end was outstanding,’ Morgan said. ‘To have a match winner like that in your side and he has a day out lifts everybody.
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England fans react to THAT catch by Ben Stokes!#WeAreEngland #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/Z88nFphDJj— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 30, 2019
‘The bowling unit got off to a great start and continued to learn from the way the South Africa guys executed. Archer bowled fast and accurate on a slowish pitch.
‘It is outstanding for a young guy just starting his international career. He takes everything in his stride and is improving every day.’
Losing captain Faf du Plessis added: ‘We were outplayed in all three departments.
‘They had some really good partnerships with the bat and then Jofra Archer got three wickets up front while [Amla went off] so were always on the back foot.’
