The 2019 World Cup is just around the corner and all the 10 participating teams are waiting eagerly for the showpiece event. Hosts England will be one of the firm favourites to lift their maiden World Cup title. England finalised their 15 member squad on 21st May and there were a few surprising exclusions. There were as many as three changes from the preliminary squad which also included reserve opener Joe Denly.
Denly who is an impressive top order batsman was originally picked the preliminary squad which was announced a couple of weeks earlier. He is an impressive top order batsman and has got many shots up his sleeve. However, he proved to be unlucky as he was left out of the squad. While Jofra Archer came in for David Willey, it was Liam Dawson who was included in the squad in place of Denly. There was one more forced change as James Vince was brought back due to the exclusion of Alex Hales
Joe Denly was pretty disappointed to have missed out on a World Cup spot. However, he is looking forward to returning to county cricket and make some good scores for Kent. The disappointment will haunt him for a while but returning to action will be the best possible way to make every use of the time he has got now.
Taking to his Twitter handle, Joe Denly wrote, “Obviously disappointed not to be involved with England at the #CWC2019 but wish the boys every bit of success Very excited to get back with @KentCricket and get stuck into the county championship!
Obviously disappointed not to be involved with England at the #CWC2019 but wish the boys every bit of success ?? Very excited to get back with @KentCricket and get stuck into the county championship!
— Joe Denly (@joed1986) May 21, 2019
Joe Denly was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders set up during the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he had to warm the benches for the major part of the tournament. He got an opportunity in just a solitary match and was castled in the very first ball by Ishant Sharma. There is no denying the fact that Denly is a special talent and can still play a role for England in case of injuries. However, as of now, his world cup dreams are all but over.