Every youngster who loved cricket had the desire of playing for their nation one day, and fulfilling that dream by winning the World Cup would be the cherry on top.
Even if you’re well-known and a significant part of the Test team, the World Cup requires a new set of talents, and only 15 players may be named, so it’s highly competitive.
There have been multiple great players who never got a chance to play a World Cup. Let’s have a look at the list.
1. Alastair Cook
Alastair Cook is regarded as one of the best hitters his nation has ever produced, thus it is surprising that, despite participating in all three forms, he did not play a World Cup match for England. From 2006 to 2018, the left-hander, who made his international debut in 2006, played for his nation in 161 Tests, 92 ODIs, and 4 T20 Internationals.
2. VVS Laxman
One of the finest hitters India has ever produced, VVS Laxman was known for his ability to flick the ball off the pads. The right-hander represented India in 134 Tests and 86 One-Day Internationals from 1996 to 2012, however he was never selected for the World Cup team.
3. Chris Martin
Since making his international debut in 2000, Chris Martin of New Zealand has been a dependable wicket-taker for his nation for a considerable amount of time. Martin played 71 Tests, 20 ODIs, and 6 T20Is for the Kiwis in a variety of formats from 2003 to 2013. He had a conventional bowling motion with a distinctive run-up.
4. Justin Langer
Justin Langer is regarded as one of Australia’s all-time best Test openers, and with the opening combination of Langer and Matthew Hayden, the Australian team formerly crushed oppositions all over the world. Langer represented his nation in 105 Tests and 8 ODIs between the years of 1993 and 2007, when he declared his retirement.
5. Stuart Macgill
Stuart Macgill most likely was born in the wrong time period and spent his life in the shadow of the illustrious Shane Warne, who at the time was the finest leg spinner in the world. The Australian leg spinner made his debut on the international stage in 1998 and continued to play until 2008. He was called up whenever Warne was hurt, and until Australia needed two spinners in the starting XI, he was never the first-choice spinner.
6. Azhar Ali
At the age of 37, Azhar Ali, one of the Test specialists who has seen significant success in the lengthier format, is still making some significant contributions to the Pakistani team. Since making his international debut in 2010, the right-hander has participated in 53 ODIs and 95 Test matches.
7. Cheteshwar Pujara
Since making his international debut in 2010, Cheteshwar Pujara has played regularly for India in Test matches. To date, he has participated in 96 Tests and 5 ODIs. The right-handed batsman, who is a conventional hitter who like to wait till the bowler makes a loose delivery, was content with the number three position that was given to him.
Pujara couldn’t play in a World Cup despite playing Test matches regularly
8. Matthew Hoggard
From 2000 until 2008, Matthew Hoggard was one of England’s underappreciated athletes. The right-arm seamer was able to bowl with great outswing and was also skilled at bowling with reverse swing. He participated in 67 Tests and 26 ODIs, taking 280 wickets internationally across all formats.
9. Erapalli Prasanna
Erapalli Prasanna, considered to be one of the finest off-spinners from India to have ever played the game, took 189 wickets while participating in 49 Test matches between the years of 1962 and 1978. Prasanna always desired a tough battle from the batter going after him because of his aggressive mentality.
10. Lawrence Rowe
One of the cricketers who had a significant impression in a short period of time and was particularly graceful in his stroke play was Lawrence Rowe. From 1972 to 1980, the West Indian played 30 Tests and 11 ODIs for his nation. He achieved a century in his Test debut and joined a select group of players who have scored 100 runs in each innings of a Test.
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