Here, SABC Sport takes a look at five players who could use the willow to light up the global tournament.

Tristan Stubbs (South Africa)

The Proteas will field a power-packed middle-order in the global tournament with captain Aiden Markram alongside David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen.

Stubbs though has been in the best form in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL), showing his versatility to adapt and come out on top in most situations.

Under the guidance of Australia legend Ricky Ponting, the 23-year-old was on song for the Delhi Capitals in India smashing 378 runs in 14 matches at an average of over 50 and, more importantly, a strike-rate of more than 190.

Travis Head (Australia)

Opener Travis Head demonstrated in the 50-over World Cup final late last year that he is a man for the big occasion when he struck a hundred in front of 120 000 Indian fans.

The left-hander just has no fear of any particular bowler and usually gets the Aussies off to a flying start in the powerplay.

The emergence of Head as a white-ball powerhouse has taken the pressure off opening partner David Warner, which will allow the veteran to play his natural game in what will be his last ICC event.

Suryakumar Yadav (India)

India have an abundance of talent to choose from, including veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, but Suryakumar Yadav will be called upon to step up and deliver.

The middle-order batter is known for closing out matches with his calm demeanour, especially in tight run-chases.

The 33-year-old has a stellar record on the international stage in the shortest format, averaging more than 45 after 60 matches and scoring his runs at a strike-rate of 171.

Phil Salt (England)

Phil Salt has forced his way into the England team through sheer weight of performances on the T20 franchise circuit around the world.

The top-order batter's fearless ball-striking was difficult to ignore and he repaid the faith by smashing two consecutive centuries for England in the West Indies in a series in the Caribbean in December.

The addition of Salt as an opener alongside skipper Jos Buttler has allowed England to shift Jonny Bairstow down and strengthen the middle-order.

Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)

Nicholas Pooran brings the calmness to what is a West Indies team that have a number of players who use brute force to hit the ball out of the ground.

The left-hander has made a living off playing in T20 leagues around the world and recent IPL performances suggest he is primed to help the co-hosts to a third world title.

Pooran struck 499 runs in 14 matches playing for the Lucknow Super Giants at an average of 62 and a strike-rate of over 170.

READ MORE: 2024 Men's T20 Cricket World Cup - Fixtures, format and venues explained

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