Usually, one of the top criterion for teams to pick squads for a big event is form and gametime. Even if the player is enjoying good form in other leagues, the preferred choice is that he or she is in good touch at the international level. Especially when it is about mega events such as the T20 World Cup, teams usually are very particular. However, interestingly, a few sides have picked cricketers who have not played international cricket for more than two years. The respective nations have taken a big decision in backing these players. On that note, here, we take a look at three cricketers who didn’t play T20I for more than 2 years but were selected for the 2022 T20 World Cup.
1) Johnson Charles (West Indies) – Last T20I in September 2016
Let alone the criteria of two years, Johnson Charles has not played for West Indies in the last six years. Yet, he has been named in the squad for the 2022 T20 WC. The basis is his current form in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League. So far, in six games, he has made 227 runs at an average of 45.
Charles would be the backup opener for the side. West Indies needs the top-order batters to fire consistently. It was missing in the last edition. Johnson Charles could help in that regard.
2) Tim David (Australia) – Last T20I in March 2020 for Singapore
Tim David is one of the cricketers who didn’t play T20I for more than 2 years but were selected for the 2022 T20 World Cup. The cricketer has changed loyalties to Australia. In the last few years, he did not play for Singapore.
Tim David has a terrific T20I record while playing for Singapore. With an average close to 47, his strike rate is nearly 160. However, playing against quality sides will be a different scenario. It needs to be seen how he would perform.
3) Alex Hales (England) – Last T20I in March 2019
It was due to non-cricketing reasons that Alex Hales did not play for England in recent years. After Jonny Bairstow was ruled out of the event due to an injury, Hales was named as the replacement.
As seen in various T20 leagues, Hales is a destructive opener. England top-order must support Jos Buttler and Hales will play a key role in this.
