Ashton Turner, the middle-order batsman, has revealed a shoulder injury played a part in his omission from Australia's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 squad.

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The injury flared up during the Big Bash League late last year, and has restricted Turner in the field and from bowling his off-spin. “I do understand I’m a little bit limited with my shoulder and that probably played a part in my omission,” Turner told foxsports.com.au.

“Potentially not being able to bowl probably cost me an opportunity to play a few more games before they had to select the team.

“On Boxing Day when I re-injured my shoulder, I thought that my season was over and I was going straight into surgery and wouldn’t play another game for months.

“The fact I was able to keep playing the Big Bash and still be on the selector’s radar as a batter was a surprise to me. Then, to pick me in the ODI squad and then to give me the opportunity to play a few games, probably exceeded my expectations."

Turner, who scored a masterful 84 off 43 balls against India in Mohali, was in consideration for a World Cup spot after the knock. However, the return of Steve Smith in the middle order, coupled with his limitations due to the injury meant he was sidelined in the provisional squad.

Missing out on the World Cup squad has only motivated me more to want to get back there Ashton Turner

Turner and Smith were playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL when the squad was announced – Turner went straight to Smith when he heard the news. "The day that we found out, I went to him [Smith] straight away and said, 'Well done, mate, for getting in the squad' and he said, 'Commiserations for not being in the squad," Turner told ESPNCricinfo.

The 26-year-old is now eyeing a return to the national side and hopes to impress during his tour of England with Australia A. He also has a surgery scheduled after that on the troublesome shoulder. "I'm going to have surgery in a couple of months," he added.

"Missing out on the World Cup squad has only motivated me more to want to get back there, because being a part of that Australian side was such a great experience. That's where I want to be."