ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: 3 players who were unlucky to miss out from Australia’s squad

Australia are the most successful team in the history of the World Cup. They have won the tournament on five occasions, three more than India and West Indies, who have won it twice each. The Kangaroos have won four of the last five World Cups, while they have reached the final in five of the last six editions.

The five-time World Champions were struggling in the last 12 months before they turned a corner against India. They won eight ODIs in a row against India and Pakistan which will give them a lot of confidence heading into the World Cup. The return of David Warner and Steve Smith after completing their ban meant that some quality players have missed out from Australia's World Cup squad.

These players would consider themselves unlucky for not making it. So, let us look at a few players who were unlucky not to be picked by the selectors for the Australian World Cup squad.

#1 Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazelwood

Josh Hazlewood had emerged as one of the most consistent bowlers for Australia over the last 12-18 months. He was set to lead Australia's pace attack in the summer in England. Sadly, that will not be the case as Hazlewood is yet to recover from an injury.

He suffered a back stress fracture in the Test series against India in January. The right-arm fast bowler was working really hard to recover in order to make the cut for the World Cup. He has not been able to attain full fitness and selectors were not in a mood to take risks.

The Australian selectors want Hazlewood to be fully fit for the Ashes so they opted to not pick him for the World Cup. This must be heartbreaking for the 28-year-old, who must have been hoping to represent his country on the cricket's biggest stage.

#2 Ashton Turner

Ashton Turner

Ashton Turner made his ODI debut in March this year. The Australian batsman caught the attention of cricket fans when he played a brilliant innings against India to help his team chase a score of more than 350. This ability to change the game on its head can be crucial in a tightly fought tournament like the World Cup.

So there were expectations that selectors might take a gamble by including the youngster in the World Cup squad. The return of David Warner and Steve Smith in the squad meant that someone had to make way for them.

This incredible competition for places meant that Turner had to lose his place in the squad. While the 26-year-old might consider himself unlucky for missing the cut but the decision makes sense. The fact that he lacks experience at the highest level might have gone against him in the selection meeting.

#3 Peter Handscomb

Peter Handscomb

A few months ago, Peter Handscomb looked certain to be selected for the World Cup. The right-handed batsman had become an integral part of the Australian ODI set-up in the absence of David Warner and Steve Smith. The 27-year-old had played every match of the series against both India and Pakistan.

His omission might have come as a surprise but his record in ODIs might have forced selectors to take that call. He has an average of less than 35 in his short ODI career which is really poor in the modern game.

With the return of the two stalwarts of Australian cricket, some heads had to roll to make way for them. Due to his indifferent form, Peter Handscomb was not able to retain his spot in the squad. When there is a cut-throat competition for places a few bad performances can result in someone losing their place in the team.