Who all missed the bus to Caribbean?

The prediction time is over, and every country has disclosed their 15 for the World Cup. The follow-up had all the flares of surprises n expectations. When on one side India selectors relied on experience for their bid to clinch the trophy, we have England side that is full of youngsters that gives them extra fire and aggression. Along with some surprising inclusions like Danish Kaneria (Pakistan), there has been few surprising exclusions too. After all this hoo-hulla about World Cup Team selection, lets throw some light on players who had represented their team on a more often basis since 2003 but still couldn't make it to WC 2007.

Ramesh Powar (India)
In Harbhajan Singh n Anil Kumble, India saw no more requirement in their spin-club. But no doubt, when former seemed to be less attacking n latter on the wane, Ramesh Powar, arguably the slowest flightest offspinner in the game was on his dream ride taking wickets at a rate of almost two a game. The only negative aspects for the man who calls himself fat but fit must be his belligerent batting of late which framed him otherwise.

Mohammed Kaif (India)
We all could never forget Kaif's under pressure stand with Yuvraj Singh, that accounted to India successfully chasing a 300+ target in Natwest Trophy in 2002 with Sachin, Ganguly n Dravid back in the pavilion. That day we made Kaif our overnight star. The other positive point was his electric fielding that added an extra flair to a side who are not so known for their athelitic show on the field. Team started expecting a lot from Kaif thereafter and he was started being considered as the mainstay of Indian middle order. Not able to adapt to this role n responsiblities attached to it, Kaif soon found himself not picked for SA tour in late 2006, and his WC inclusion was never on the cards.

Yasir Hameed (Pakistan)
An opener by nature, in a department that has been Pakistan's Achilles Heel since Saeed Anwar bade goodbye to Cricket, only got a chance to play in just 4 ODIs in last two yrs and he scored at an average of 52. The only reason for him to offend Pakistan selectors would have been his strike rate, but even that might be unquestionable provided slow wickets expected in Carribean. Instead, Pakistan trusted Hafeez, Nazir, Akmal to provide a combination that can improve on their tally of only three 50+ stands in past one yr.

Boeta Dippenaar (South Africa)
Dippenaar never really got a chance in recent South Africa outings to impress with his talent. I still remember the day, when I appreciated Dippenaar to get out at a score of merely 1 run off 7 balls when SA was chasing 434. Nevertheless, he averages 107 from 10 matches in Caribbean and never finished on the losing side, he might be worth a place as a lucky mascot.

Chamara Kapugedera (Sri Lanka)
This 20 yrs old youngster has time very much on his side. Coming late in the order, Kapugedera provides the apt pinch hitting required at times in the slog overs. But with Sri Lanka finding a balanced line-up by having Arnold, and bringing back Atapattu n Jayasuriya, who all are expected to turn out, it won't be long before Kapugedera will be ushered back in the side.

Runako Morton (West Indies)
One of the game's most notorious bad boys proved his mettle with his unbeaten 90 against Australia in last year's Champions Trophy that propelled his side to the final. The memorable inning was followed by lacklustre performances and next thing we knew he was no longer in consideration for West Indies WC plans, and was once again reduced to margins. Eventually he missed the bus to home.

Cameron White (Australia)
Cameron White has long seemed destined to play a significant role in Australia's future. You call him nagging legspinner, a solid middle-order bat, a pinch hitter or a bit of all three. He had a qualified success in the recent two series which though Australia lost ironically. Luck ran out off him, when Shane Watson returned from his injury and swapped his place with unfit Symonds. Eventually Australia opted for the safer bet by having Symonds (expected to be fit soon) n Hogg to serve with bat n ball.

Other names include Khaled Mashud (Bangladesh), Mal Loye (England), Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe).

Image Source: cricinfo

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