CRICKET lovers all across the world are currently cheering on their team at the World Cup – but not West Indies fans.
England needed a Super Over to beat bitter rivals New Zealand in a thrilling 2019 final at Lord’s.
AFPEngland won their first ever Cricket World Cup in 2019[/caption]
And Jos Buttler will be determined to captain his side to consecutive triumphs despite getting off to the worst possible start against New Zealand.
But one team who certainly won’t be snatching the crown off England is the West Indies as the two-time winners are not in the tournament this year.
Why aren’t West Indies playing at the Cricket World Cup 2023?
West Indies are not involved in this year’s Cricket World Cup as they failed to qualify for the tournament having lost to Scotland in July.
The Scots cruised to victory by seven wickets after the Windies were bowled out for 181.
And it meant that Shai Hope’s side became the first team in West Indies history to have not secured qualification for the major competition.
GettyScotland shattered West Indies’ Cricket World Cup dreams[/caption]
What has been said?
Hope expressed the disappointment he has in himself and the team but believes that the Windies can bounce back.
Speaking after the Scotland defeat, Hope said:
“To be honest, there is not one thing I can put my finger on.
“We let ourselves down in the entire tournament.
“We knew it would be challenging. They (Scotland) played really well – credit must be given to them.
“The preparation needs to be better. We cannot come here and expect to be an elite team without preparation.
“We cannot expect to wake up one morning and be a great team. We need to find a way to bounce back. Lots to look forward to and we all have to go one way – that is up.”
Who has qualified for the Cricket World Cup 2023?
There are a total of ten teams battling it out in India for a chance to win the Cricket World Cup.
These teams are:
EnglandIndiaAustraliaPakistanNew ZealandSouth AfricaBangladeshAfghanistanSri LankaNetherlands