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India, SA biggest threat to Australia in World Cup: Chappell

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has said that Australia will find their toughest competition against India and South Africa during the World Cup starting February 14.

"Australia's biggest challenges will come from South Africa and India, with New Zealand a dark horse under the aggressive leadership of Brendon McCullum," Chappell wrote in his column for The Daily Telegraph.

"Australia are superior to all but India's powerful line-up in batting and the pace bowling is the equal of South Africa's talented triumvirate and better than the rest. Their fielding, which will be important on Australia's bigger grounds, is athletic and includes some strong arms," he said.

Chappell also said that spin bowling remains a concern for the Australians, who decided not to include a specialist legspinner for the mega-event and instead went ahead the left-armer Xavier Doherty.

"I only have two quibbles with the chosen World Cup squad of 15: the non-selection of a legspinner and Steve Smith not being vice-captain to take over in a situation where Michael Clarke doesn't make the fitness deadline," Chappell said.

Chappell believes the selectors should have also given the captaincy to newly-appointed Test skipper Steve Smith.

"George Bailey doesn't make Australia's best side, which means if Clarke breaks down during a game then [Test captain Steve] Smith will take over the captaincy. Why wouldn't Smith then remain as captain of the side in Clarke's continued absence? By choosing Bailey, the selectors may create a situation where, during the World Cup campaign, the captaincy could resemble a game of musical chairs," he opined.

Speaking about the other members of the team, Chappell said in-form opener David Warner gives the side a distinct edge over other teams.