YORKSHIRE batsman Gary Ballance has not given up on his dream of playing in this winter's World Cup.
The prolific left-hander was a surprise omission from England's squad for their forthcoming seven-match one-day international series against Sri Lanka, running from November 26 to December 16.
Ballance's overall average in one-day cricket is an impressive 51.68 from 69 matches, yet his average in 12 ODIs is nowhere near as impressive at 26.10.
Yorkshire fans know the 24-year-old as a destructive force against the white ball; arguably as clean a striker of the ball as there is at Headingley. Unfortunately he has not demonstrated that to England coach Peter Moores.
Ballance will be one of a handful of absentees from Yorkshire's trip to Buckingham Palace this week as part of their LV= County Championship title celebrations due to a pre-booked holiday.
But he is determined to be pro-active upon his return in his bid to return to England colours in time for the start of the international showpiece event in mid-February.
And Ballance has not ruled out travelling abroad to play some domestic one-day cricket.
"I've worked hard on my game, and I feel like I've improved a bit, but it's really disappointing," he said.
"There are still improvements to make but there are so many good young players who have done well in the 50-over cup that I think they want to have a look at other players, which is fair enough.
"I have to believe I still have a chance (of playing in the World Cup).
"There's still a couple of series to go. There's the Sri Lanka one and there's the tri-series in Australia after Christmas, so you never know. One injury may change things.
"To be involved in a World Cup would be amazing, so I can't just forget about that now. I'm going to see what I need to get better at and work hard. If I get that chance again, hopefully I'll take it this time.
"I'm definitely not going to sit around and hope I get a phone call. I'm going to have to go somewhere or do something that will give me a chance. Whether that's going abroad or going on the Performance Programme, I don't know.
"It will also be down to what the coaches and selectors think would be best for my game."
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