Be it politics, pecking order, team dynamics or just poor selection, some pretty useful cricketers will not take the stage during the next couple of months. Sports writer Adrian Seconi picks the best team we won't see at the World Cup.
OPENERS
Jesse Ryder (New Zealand)
Was unwanted by the selectors because of concerns about his ability to prepare properly for international cricket - read utter liability off the field. It is a great shame for the tournament, though, because Easy Ryder is all X-factor. And now he has just finished watching Sons of Anarchy, he has some free time, too.
Alastair Cook (England)
No word yet whether Kevin Pietersen played any role in Cook's demise but he did spend a lot of time looking at his shoelaces when questioned. Cooky, for his part, insists he's no bully and nor is he jealous of the fortune Pietersen has been able to amass. A great leader. Gets the nod as vice captain with his old mate Pietersen taking the reins. Should be entertaining watching the dynamics between the two.
MIDDLE ORDER
Kevin Pietersen (England)
Apparently, the punishing right-hander has just written a book which was all about cricket strategy and nothing about airing dirty laundry. With brains like that he was a clear choice for captain and he has promised no texting.
Grant Elliott (South African-born)
What do you mean the Black Caps selected him? That can't be right. Are you sure? Well, given the New Zealand journeyman has a surprise prior commitment we will have to go for Dutch international and Otago import Ryan ten Doeschate. He averages 67 in 33 ODIs for the Netherlands. The Dutch did not qualify so RTD is ready to devastate.
Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)
Great utility player. Vastly experienced. Has played 216 ODIs and scored 5490 runs and taken 141 wickets. Reliable, rather than dashing. Every teams needs a player like Malik except Pakistan.
ALL-ROUNDERS
*Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)
The Missing XI always has room for a couple of agitators and rabble-rousers. They bat, they bowl and together they are unmovable on a picket line. Note: This selection is contingent on the BCCI's approval. No need to consult West Indies chief selector Clive Lloyd.
WICKETKEEPERBJ
Watling (New Zealand)
There is nothing vanilla about the leave outside off. It is the non-shot the Black Caps wicketkeeper has perfected in two world record sixth-wicket stands in the past 12 months. Might struggle in the batting power plays but if there is ever a call for another go-slow, he's the man.
PACE BOWLERS
Lonwabo Tsotsobe (South Africa)
If you can't make a team which includes trundlers like Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel, you may as well look for another gig. With a middle name like Lopsy, perhaps he should join Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail and forge a career in children's entertainment. Still, 94 wickets at 24.96 is not a bad effort.
Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand)
He's getting a bit old but it's Paddles we're talking about. Oops. Sorry. Sir Paddles. He'll bring some discipline to this motley lot. Should the 63-year-old find the tournament a bit long, then perhaps Australia's Ryan Harris could sub in.
SPIN BOWLER
Nathan Lyon (Australia)
Token Australian. Powerful name. More of a test bowler. Shane Warne was busy.
