THE ONES WHO STAYED AWAY...

GEOFF BOYCOTT (1974-75, tour of Australia) THE opener made himself unavailable for the Ashes after being overlooked for the captaincy in the summer, though there was speculation that his self-imposed exile was due to a fear of facing pace duo Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. Boycott (above) resumed his England career in 1977 and played 45 more Tests. ANDY CADDICK, ROBERT CROFT (2001, tour of India) THE two bowlers pulled out of England’s tour of India over safety fears concerning the country’s proximity to Afghanistan, which was invaded by the US-led coalition after the 9/11 attacks. Caddick (above) played in 12 more Tests, returning to the side the following year. Croft never played for England again. ENGLAND TEAM (2003, World Cup fixture in Zimbabwe) AMID concerns over safety and political unrest in Zimbabwe, the England side led by Nasser Hussain (above) refused to travel to Harare for their opening pool-stage World Cup match against Zimbabwe. They forfeited the game, handing Zimbabwe points which subsequently eliminated England before the Super Sixes.