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FM
Former Member

Five accomplished limited-overs players who haven't played a Test

We look at five accomplished limited-overs players who have never played a Test match.

https://statics.sportskeeda.com/editor/2017/10/9fede-1509003408-800.jpgDespite a decade's international experience, Pollard is yet to play a Test

Even in modern-day cricket which is dominated by limited-overs games, a Test cap is the holy grail for any cricketer. Quite a few players like Ravindra Jadeja and David Warner who were considered to be limited-overs specialists have made a successful transition to Test cricket.

However, there are certain players who have turned out in their country's colours for numerous limited-overs internationals but are yet to play a Test match. In this article, we take a look at five such players:

#5 Kieron Pollard

Limited-overs games played: 157 (101 ODIs and 56 T20Is)

The way Kieron Pollard's career has panned out, it tells you everything that is wrong with West Indies cricket. The talent is there for everybody to see, but when it comes to application, things begin to go haywire.

Ever since his debut in 2007, the big Trinidadian has shown flashes of brilliance on several occasions. However, his temperament and constant run-in with controversies have ensured that those flashes have never really turned into anything substantial.

The chances of the 30-year-old making it to the West Indies Test team have slimmed in recent times. In March 2015, he announced that he was taking an indefinite break from first-class cricket. He has also not featured in an ODI for a year owing to his non-participation in West Indies' domestic ODI competition.

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#4 Nathan McCullum

1st KFC T20 International: South Africa v New ZealandNathan McCullum's consistent limited-overs performances weren't enough to earn him a Test cap

Limited-overs games played: 147 (84 ODIs and 63 T20Is)

Perhaps the quote about the slow and the steady winning the race needs to be relooked at. Because if it were to hold true, Nathan McCullum's consistency would have reaped him far greater rewards than it actually did.

Without a shred of doubt, the older McCullum was a complete package. He could play useful innings in the lower order, keep things tight in the middle overs courtesy his measured bowling and was an absolute live-wire on the field. Maybe the constant presence of Daniel Vettori was a hindrance to his entry into the Test team.

In first-class cricket, the former Kiwi all-rounder scored more than 2000 runs and picked up 139 wickets in 65 matches, decent numbers by any stretch of the imagination. His retirement in early 2016 put to bed any chances of a Test appearance.

FM

#3 David Hussey

Australia v Sri Lanka - ODI Game 5

One of David Hussey's biggest regrets is not playing a Test

Limited-overs games played: 108 (69 ODIs and 39 T20Is)

Having scored more than 10,000 first-class runs at an average in excess of fifty, the least any batsman can expect is to get a few Tests under his belt. However, these compelling numbers didn't aid David Hussey's cause, as the tag of a limited-overs specialist stuck with him.

David was capable of performing many roles on the cricketing field. He was a hard-hitting lower-order batsman, he was handy with his off-spin bowling and was electric on the field.

It is difficult to say why the former Victorian never broke into the Australian Test team. The presence of heavyweights like Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke could have obstructed his path into the Test team. Earlier this year, he retired from cricket and stated that not playing in Tests is something he regrets.

FM

#2 David Miller

South Africa v Ireland - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

David Miller could be a handy addition to South Africa's Test side

Limited-overs games played: 155 (100 ODIs and 55 T20Is)

Modern-day Test cricket witnesses very few draws. One of the reasons for that is the ability of several limited-overs players to replicate their aggression in the longest format as well. And David Miller is one player who can effortlessly do that.

After initial obscurity, the hard-hitting South African shot to fame courtesy his exploits in the IPL. He hasn't looked back ever since as he has decimated several bowling attacks to become one of the mainstays of South Africa's limited-overs teams.

Miller is one of the most sought-after players in limited-overs cricket which means that he gets very little time to play first-class cricket. However, being only 28, he has age on his side and could still force his way into the Proteas Test team.

FM

#1 Aaron Finch

Australia v India - Game 2

Aaron Finch's long wait for a Test cap doesn't look like ending soon

Limited-overs games played: 118 (85 ODIs, 33 T20Is)

Aaron Finch has scored more than 4000 runs in international cricket and has also won a World Cup with the Australian team. Yet, the Australian selectors feel that he isn't cut out for Test cricket and consequentially, he is yet to earn even a maiden call-up.

The burly Victorian has decent first-class numbers. In 66 matches, he has scored close to 4000 runs at an average of 36.57. His detractors say that a lack of footwork in his game could have him all at sea in Test cricket which is why he has been kept away from the format.

All said and done, if you ask Finch, his ultimate dream is to don the Baggy Green someday. However, the likelihood of that happening anytime soon is pretty low. The 2017 Ashes is less than a month away and the 30-year old is not even in the reckoning.

FM

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