The 28-year-old has played in two World Cups, and his side are a leading team among the ICC associate nations.

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Likewise, Cole has scored 10 times for England, has more than 50 caps for his country and has been to two World Cups, but I'm not sure that will count for much in Capello's eyes.

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Ganguly has a strong record in the the two World Cups he has played in.

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The ban will also affect Ecuador whose national side has qualified for the last two World Cups, winning through on the basis of strong performances in Quito, at 2, 800m.

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Veteran prop du Randt has announced he is retiring after becoming only the fourth player to win two World Cups, after Australians Tim Horan, Jason Little and John Eales.

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Wales have a history of sacking coaches in the build-ups to World Cups and - although criticism of Gatland has grown over the past two seasons - pundits have been generally positive in their treatment of the Kiwi.

BBC: Coach Warren Gatland stays coy on Wales future

With Manchester United he has won three Premier League titles, two Football League Cups, the FA Cup, the World Club Championship, and the Champions League.

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