The 50-over World Cup is the most important competition in cricket. Every cricketer aims to not only participate in the World Cup but also to reach the pinnacle of achievement by being a member of a winning team. The 50-over World Cup has increased in prominence and is now regarded as the peak of the sport by many. Unsurprisingly, that particular tournament has seen a great deal of drama, as well as, of course, excellence, as the world’s greatest ensembles have crossed swords.
While many cricketers from all over the world have had the opportunity to compete in the event throughout the years, only a select handful have achieved World Cup triumph.
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There are, however, some exceptional players who have made a name for themselves in international cricket but have never played in a Cricket World Cup match:
1. Chris Martin
Chris Martin is one of New Zealand’s finest Test bowlers, coming in just behind Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori on the list of the country’s most wicket-takers. Martin played 71 Tests and took 233 wickets in a 13-year career, including 10 five-wicket hauls and personal best figures of 11/180 against South Africa. His ODI career, on the other hand, was unremarkable. Chris Martin came the closest to playing in a World Cup in 2007 when he was called into the team to replace an injured Daryl Tuffey, but he was unable to play.
2. Alastair Cook
Alastair Cook is a member of the 10,000-run club in Test cricket and has been an iconic figure in his country’s cricket. Cook not only batted well, but he also led the team well, winning numerous Ashes Test matches throughout his successful stint. Alastair Cook has never represented England in the 50-over World Cup, despite appearing in 92 One-Day Internationals.
3. VVS Laxman
Following the knock against Australia, the exquisite right-hander continued to work his magic on a variety of other occasions. In fact, when the going got difficult, he frequently turned into India’s most important player, ensuring that his team didn’t wilt. However, because of his inability to establish himself as a consistent starter in the ODI format, he was only able to wear the Blue on 86 occasions and never participated in a World Cup.
4. Justin Langer
Justin Langer is without a doubt one of Australia’s best openers in international cricket. In a 14-year career, the southpaw batted in 105 Tests and amassed over 7000 runs at an average of a little over 45. Langer, on the other hand, was unable to convert that form into ODIs, where he was yet another batsman who struggled to adjust to the format’s frantic pace. He is maybe the only batsman from Australia’s golden period who has never represented his country at the World Cup.
5. Matthew Hoggard
Matthew Hoggard’s credentials as an England Test bowler are unquestionable, as he ranks among the country’s top ten wicket-takers of all time. The England fast bowler, on the other hand, did not have a very successful ODI career, which lasted only 26 games. Despite being included in the 2003 World Cup team, his ODI career came to an end in 2006, and he never had the chance to represent England in World Cup cricket.
