The World Cup has already produced many hits and records. There have been few with forgettable performances too. Here we have compiled a 11 who have made it to a team which they would like to keep a distance from, The Flop World Cup XI.
Quinton de Kock – Matches: 4, Runs Scored: 27, Average : 6.75
Considered one of the best talents in world cricket at the moment, the young South African has been completely out of nick. Opening the batting for the Proteas he has failed to deliver in all the four matches that he has played. His place in the team looks to be in great danger considering the South Africans have plenty of firepower waiting for their opportunity in the ranks.
Tamim Iqbal – Matches: 2, Runs Scored: 19 runs, Average: 9.50
The Bangladeshi opener had come into the tournament with a point to prove. With less than 20 runs in 2 matches this Bangladeshi tiger has failed to roar for his team. Much is expected of him if his team manages to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
Shane Watson – Matches: 2, Runs Scored : 23, Average : 11.50
The biggest failure of this World Cup till now has been the ace Australian all rounder. He eventually got dropped for the match against Afghanistan. There are rumours circling in the cricketing circles which predict the end of the road for Shane Watson. The only way he can have a place back in the team is if somebody gets injured.
Grant Elliot – Matches: 3, Runs Scored: 58 runs, Batting Average: 19.33
An unusual pick for the New Zealand World Cup squad, Grant Elliot has failed to live up to his reputation of being the Black Caps’ surprise weapon, under-performing with the bat with a mere 58 runs from three matches.
Eoin Morgan – Matches: 4, Runs Scored: 90, Average: 22.50
Appointed captain of the England cricket team, life has come to a full circle for the talented left hander. Playing for Ireland in the 2007 World Cup and now appointed the skipper of England under controversial circumstances, he has failed to live up to his expectations. Under him England has performed poorly and he has not been able to produce his match winning knocks that he usually does.
Umar Akmal- Matches: 4, Runs Scored: 111 runs, Average: 27.75
Makeshift wicketkeeper and attacking middle order batsman, Umar Akmal’s failure has been one of the biggest reasons for Pakistan’s inability to perform against the bigger teams. His drop catches behind the stumps has cost the team dearly.
Shahid Afridi- Matches: 4, Balls Bowled: 228, Runs Conceded: 186 runs,Wickets:2, Runs Scored: 71, Batting Average: 23.67
Another big all round failure, the veteran Pakistani cricketer has been out of sorts this World Cup. He has been un effective with both bat and ball and not to forget the vital catches he has dropped in the field. “Lala” it will be safe to say has misfired. No BOOM BOOM this time.
Wayne Parnell – Matches : 1, Balls Bowled: 54, Runs Conceded: 85
Picked ahead of the likes of Lonwabo Tsotsobe, the young South African left armer has failed to turn out in his best in the solitary match he has played. Dropped after one game, his chances surely look bleak as far as the tournament is concerned.
Stuart Broad – Matches: 4, Wickets: 2,Balls bowled: 176 balls, Runs Conceded: 184 runs
Partnering Anderson’s failure is Stuart Broad who has almost exactly the same figures as that of the Anderson. England’s primary reason for their poor performance is the incapability of both these pace men to fire up front.
James Anderson – Matches: 4,Wicket: 2, Balls Bowled: 174,Runs Conceded: 182 runs
One of the premier fast bowlers in the world, James Anderson has so far proved to be England’s weakest link. Taking only two wickets in four matches he has been extremely poor to say the least.
Taskin Ahmed – Matches: 2, Balls Bowled: 102 balls, Runs Conceded: 105 runs
Arguably Bangladesh’s fastest bowler, the young pacer has been out of colour this World Cup. Picking only 2 wickets in 3 matches that he has played, one would have expected more from this talented cricketer.
– ‘FLOP KA BAAP’ AWARD
Nasir Jamshed- Matches: 3, Runs Scored: 5, Average: 1.67
By Ashirbad Hazarika
