MAL Loye has vowed to fight on in his bid to win an England cap.
Despite Marcus Trescothick pulling out of next month's Champions Trophy in India, the Lancashire opener was this week left out of the final 14 after originally being named in the 30-strong provisional squad.
Loye is seen on the county circuit as one of the most destructive top-order batsman in one-day cricket and former England skipper Nasser Hussain has stated he believes the 33-year-old would be perfect to exploit the fielding restrictions in the first 15 overs in one-day internationals.
But the former Northamptonshire player, who averaged 68 in the C&G Trophy this season and 41 in Pro40, has not heard a word from the England selectors over his omission.
"When you get that close, you can only be disappointed when you don't make the final squad," said Loye.
"But it is just a case of battling on and to keep going. I have had no feedback at all from the selectors which is the most disappointing thing because it would be useful for me to have something to build on.
Tough
"I didn't get a phone call from the selectors to tell me I wasn't in the final squad or to explain why I wasn't picked. But I need to know where I am in their thinking.
"At the end of the day, they can only pick so many players. Obviously in their own minds they know who they want to pick, but it is tough for me not to know where I am.
"Maybe I could have a little word with Andrew Flintoff now he is captain! Seriously, I am not that type of person and strongly believe you should be picked on merit."
And Loye says he will never give up hope of playing for England, with next year's World Cup very much in his thoughts.
"I can't give up hope because if I thought I would never play for England it would affect the way I performed and my preparation for matches," said Loye.
"Anything can happen with England as we have seen in the last 12 months. I am just summing up what to do this winter.
"I have had an offer to play first-class cricket in New Zealand and I will probably make a decision next week when I see how my body is feeling. It has been a very long season. But the World Cup is still an aim."
Lancashire team-mate Glen Chapple was also left out of the final party, despite having been picked in the NatWest Series squad to face Sri Lanka earlier in the summer. An abdominal injury picked up in his first game for England against Ireland in June ruled him out of the five-match series, and has also cost him a trip to India.
"The main reason Chappie missed out was down to fitness more than anything," said Loye. "But he is certainly in the frame for the World Cup squad."
Do you think Loye should be in the England squad? Have your say.
Comments
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Mal Loye is a gloriously entertaining and effective one-day cricketer and it is England's loss. If he played for Middlesex, he would be in there like a shot, no doubt, but it looks as though he is destined to be like Howard Kendall was at football ¿¿" the best player never to have been picked by England.
Got to agree with Tony from Lancs,if Mal was somewhere like Middlesex or Sussex,heck even Glamorgan,then he would be in that England team but no,because it's Lancs of the North,he gets the cold shoulder.
Mal isn't the only one,Glenn Chapple and now even England -Qualified Stu Law never get recognised.Aren't Lancs one of the most recognised and respected cricket teams in cricket today.Come on Lancs,we dont want to see 'South Sussex' win the championship.
I am a Hampshire Life Member. If Mal Loye had been a Hampshire or Somerset lad he'd never have made the 30! There are Counties, (believe it or not), that get even rougher treatment than Lancs. If he'd been at Essex or Middlesex, say no more! I have seen him play twice only this year and that is enough for me. Mal Lotye is a stunning player in a one day situation. Technically sound, powerful and innovative and should certainly be in the England 1 Day side. This omission is a big mistake, get him in for the WC please selectors.