West Indies will play no part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Photo: Getty Images

In 2004, they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the final against the hosts.

Marcus Trescothick made 104 for England but the rest of the batting order collapsed and they set the West Indies just 218 to win off 50 overs.

However, a fine bowling performance reduced the visitors to 147/8, a seemingly hopeless position, before Courtney Browne and bowler Ian Bradshaw performed a great escape and give Brian Lara the chance to lift the trophy at The Oval.

Why aren't West Indies in ICC Champions Trophy 2017?

The format of the Champions Trophy has changed several times since its inception in 1998 and the 2013 edition was even slated to be its last.

It was due to be replaced by the ICC World Test Championship only for the ICC to reverse the decision and introduce a new, streamlined format.

The number of teams though remained the same, with the top eight teams sides in the ICC ODI Rankings automatically qualifying.

The rise of Bangladesh, now fifth in the world in ODIs, meant one of the major powers was always likely to miss out, with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies all below the Asian underdogs.

And when the cut-off date came six months before the Champions Trophy's commencement, West Indies found themselves adrift in ninth place, only just ahead of Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.

The team have never missed a Champions Trophy while their absence sees Bangladesh return for the first time since 2006.

What will Chris Gayle and co be doing while the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is on?

Gayle has not played ODI cricket for the West Indies since 2015 due to a dispute with the board.

However, participation in a major tournament might have seen him convinced to join the squad again but it was not to be.

And with the majority of the world's best cricketers playing in the Champions Trophy, Gayle is unlikely to find any gainful employment playing cricket in June.

However, he will be in London on June 6 to host a dinner for his foundation including guest appearances from Kevin Pietersen, Ravi Bopara and Yuvraj Singh.