Non Test Playing Nations World Cup Squad

This is part of an article I wrote for 'All Out Cricket' magazine last year which named my top 10 cricketers outside of Test cricket nations. I have now taken this a step further and below is my 2011 non Test playing nation world cup squad. Unfortunately this maybe the last time they get to compete at the highest level, due to the 2015 world cup only consisting of Test playing nations.  

1 - Trent Johnson

Ireland, New South Wales, Mosman

Age: 36

Role: Allrounder

This man has leadership qualities in abundance. The Aussie moved over to Ireland after a career playing for New South Wales. In the 2007 world cup he captained Ireland causing the biggest upset in world cup history when the 'Blarney Army' saw off Pakistan.

2 - Gerrie Snyman

Namibia

Age: 29

Role: Allrounder

After taking the prize wickets of Andrew Flintoff and Paul Collingwood in the 2003 world cup, this hard hitting all rounder has gone from strength to strength. Although he has generated interest from county sides, it would mean giving up his national duties for Namibia, something he is not prepared to do.

3 - Boyd Rankin

Ireland, Derbyshire, Warwickshire

Age: 26

Role: Right Arm Fast Bowler

At 6'8", Rankin is probably the tallest player in Associate/Affiliate cricket. He swapped the life of a cattle and sheep farmer for a professional cricket career and is now contracted with Warwickshire. He finished as Ireland's leading wicket taker in the 2007 world cup with 12 wickets.

4 - Ashish Bagai

Canada

Age: 28

Role: Wicket Keeper/Batsman

This 'City Slicker' has been combining a high flying banking career at UBS with international cricketing duties for over five years now. After he averaged 86 in the 2007 World Cricket League in Nairobi he was convinced he should take cricket more seriously and has now accepted a professional contract with the Canadian Cricket Board.
   

5 - Nial O’Brien

Ireland, Northamptonshire, Kent

Age: 28

Role: Wicketkeeper/Batsman

Averaging 35 in first class cricket, it was the gutsy Dubliner's match winning 72 that famously beat Pakistan in the 2007 world cup. He is a constant irritation to opposition batters with his endless on field chattering. His transition to the comm box should prove seamless.

6 - David Hemp

Bermuda, Free State, Glamorgan, Warwickshire

Age: 39

Role: Batsman

Born in Bermuda, bred in the UK. Hemp has amassed an amazing 15,520 first class runs in a highly successful career. As captain of Bermuda this elegant left hander always looks in control. He combines his international duties with his full time job in the UK as Director of Cricket at Solihull School.

7 - Ryan Ten Doeschate

Netherlands, Essex, Western Province

Age: 30

Role: Allrounder

Possessing an ODI average of 68 and a first class average of 49. This South African-raised Dutchman regularly hits balls out of the ground into the river Chelmer when on duty for Essex. He has the enviable reputation of being the most entertaining cricketer playing the game outside of Test cricket.

8 - Lucas Paterlini

Argentina, St Albans

Age: 28

Role: Allrounder

More 'wild child' than 'wild card', Paterlini is South Americas answer to Andrew Flintoff. Where Fred does pedalo, Lucas does Tango. The fiery allrounder is always a menace to top-order, finishing second in the bowling averages at the ICC Americas Division One competition in 2010.

9 - Mohammad Nabi

Afghanistan, Marylebone Cricket Club, Pakistan Customs

Age: 25

Role: Right-hand batsman/Offspinner

Born in a refugee camp in Pakistan, Nabi developed his cricket skills with the MCC YCs in 2006. This experience stood him in excellent stead, as he is now a successful international player with an ODI average of 35.

10 - Kyle Coetzer

Scotland, Durham, Scotland Under-19s, Western Province

Age: 26

Role: Right-hand batsman

The Scottish top-order batsman has played a key part in Durham’s success in the last three seasons. His quality was highlighted at the top level when he scored 51 against England last summer. He was introduced to the game by Grant Dugmore, the CEO of Cricket Argentina.

11 - Kenneth Kamyuka

Uganda, JACC, Wanderers, Destroyers, Tornado B, Nile

Age: 28

Role: Allrounder

Known as Double Zero due to his 00 squad number he shoots to thrill. The ICC Associate rumour on the street is he is now living in Canada and will be available to play for the ODI nation in 2012.

12 - Sushil Nadkarni

USA, India Under 19s, Maharashtra

Age: 33

Role: Left hand batsman

After starting his cricket career for state side Maharashtra in India he immigrated to the States to become an engineer. He has been in the international wilderness until last year he came to prominence for the USA in there vital Division Five win against Nepal where 12,000 people invaded the pitch.

13 - Thomas Odoyo

Kenya, Africa XI, Nairobi Gymkhana, Southern Rocks

Age: 32

Role: Allrounder

Making his debut at the tender age of seventeen in the 1996 world cup, Thomas has played a staggering 126 ODIs. He was the first ICC Associate player to complete the 2000 run and 100 wicket double at ODI level and also once held the ODI record seventh wicket partnership of 119.

14 - Rizwan Cheema

Canada, Canada A, Ontario

Age: 31

Role: Right hand batsman

Rizwan made headlines when he scored 89 off 61 balls against the West Indies in 2008. He moved to Canada in the early 2000s after being born and raised in Pakistan. In 2010 he almost made it to the big time when he made the short list for the IPL contract auction.

15 - Nawroz Mangal 

Afghanistan

Age: 25

Role: Right Hand Batsman/Offspinner
Since taking over as captain in 2007 he has led Afghanistan to become the first Affiliate cricket nation to gain ODI status. He spent most of his early years in refugee camps after fleeing Afghanistan to Pakistan after the Russian invasion. He has an ODI batting average of 39 and bowling average of 26.