UNITED KINGDOM: England all-rounder David Willey has decided to call time on his international cricket career, making the announcement just days after being left out of the central contracts by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India will serve as Willey’s swansong on the international stage.
Willey confirmed his retirement plans in a heartfelt social media post, emphasizing that his decision had nothing to do with England’s disappointing performance in the World Cup. The defending champions have been struggling in the tournament, sitting at the bottom of the table with just one win in six matches.
In his statement, Willey expressed his immense pride in representing England and giving his all to the team. He lauded the incredible white-ball squad and the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players in the world.
“I feel I still have a lot more to give on and off the field while I am still playing my best cricket, and my decision has nothing to do with our performance during the World Cup,” Willey stated, assuring that he would continue to give his all for the remainder of the tournament.
David Willey has been an integral part of England’s limited-overs cricket. The left-arm seamer, known for his handy batting down the order, has represented his country in 70 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 43 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
In ODIs, he has contributed with both bat and ball, amassing 627 runs and taking 93 wickets at a decent average. In T20Is, he has picked up 51 wickets, showcasing his versatility as a modern-day white-ball specialist.
Willey’s retirement announcement comes as a surprise, as he is the only member of England’s World Cup squad not to have received a central contract from the ECB. This decision might have played a role in his choice to retire from international cricket.
The 32-year-old cricketer also took the opportunity to thank his family and loved ones, recognizing the sacrifices they made and their unwavering support throughout his cricketing journey. He expressed gratitude to his wife, two children, mum, and dad for being his pillars of strength.
David Willey’s retirement marks the end of an era for English white-ball cricket. His contributions will be remembered, and fans will miss seeing him don the national colors in future tournaments. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors as he embarks on a new chapter after a successful international career.
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