The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is set to be played in England and Wales from May 30 to June 14, and five-time champions Australia will defend its title against the favorites like England, India and New Zealand.
With the time nearing for the tournament to start, as per ICC ruling, all the ten participating nations have announced their 15-man squads for the marquee event. While most of the squads announced were as per the expectancy of the fans and experts, some players still missed out on the chance of playing in a prestigious event like the World Cup, which comes once in four years. This has led ICC to pick 11 unlucky players who have missed out the ticket to travel to England.
The ‘Unlucky XI’ include two Indian players Rishabh Pant and Ambati Rayudu who were in the line for selection even at the last minute but have been omitted from the squad.
Pakistan is going to the UK without a backup wicket keeper. Mohammad Rizwan would have been ideal back up. Kieron Pollard’s experience could have helped Windies in the mega even but WICB went with young players.
Peter Handscomb, who is in a great form has been dropped from Australia’s 15-man squad. Niroshan Dickwella scored close to 500 ODI runs in last one year and also could be a back up wicket keeper but failed to find place in the Sri Lankan squad. Also, experienced Sri Lankan Dinesh Chandimal who captained them in recent England series was another surprise omission.
Jofra Archer, who is yet to make his international debut, was not picked by England, and many believe that he will be in the squad once home series against Pakistan gets over. Asif Ali, a powerful striker of the ball from Pakistan, would have been ideal for them in later overs.
Akila Dananjaya has taken 28 wickets in last one year at an average of 23 but Sri Lanka chose Jeffrey Vandersay which raised an eye-brow of many cricket experts. Mohammad Amir, who had an average outing for Pakistan since the 2017 Champions Trophy finals was not picked, but would have been an ideal selection taking the English conditions in account.
ICC’s Unlucky XI:
Niroshan Dickwella, Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, Peter Handscomb, Dinesh Chandimal, Kieron Pollard, Mohammad Rizwan, Asif Ali, Jofra Archer, Akila Dananjaya and Mohammad Amir.
