David Willey retirement news has shocked many cricket fans and experts who admired his skills and contributions to the England team.
David Willey is one of the most versatile and successful white-ball cricketers for England.
The English cricketer has decided to hang up his boots from international cricket at 33.
He announced his retirement after the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India, where England failed to defend their title and were eliminated in the group stage.
Willey, who played as a left-handed batsman and left-arm fast-medium bowler, was a key member of the England team which won the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
He also played for various domestic teams, including Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, Perth Scorchers, Chennai Super Kings, and Welsh Fire.
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David Willey Retirement News Details
David Willey’s retirement came as a surprise to many, as he was in fine form and fitness in the recent matches.
The athlete was the only member of the England squad who did not receive a central contract from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the 2023-24 season.
It indicated that he was not in the plans for the future. Willey ended his international career with 100 ODI wickets and 51 T20I wickets, making him one of the few players to achieve the double of 100 wickets in both formats.
He was also part of the England team that won the T20 World Cup in 2022, where he took 12 wickets at an average of 15.58 and an economy rate of 6.79.
Also, David is regarded as one of the best left-arm fast-medium bowlers and left-handed batsmen in white-ball cricket, with his ability to swing the ball both ways and score quick runs.
What Did David Willey Said About His Retirement
The talented cricketer David Willey said he took the decision with “deep regret” and felt like a “third wheel” in the England changing room.
Willey said the ECB told him they were likely to go in a different direction after the World Cup, which was his final nail in the coffin.
David also disclosed that he felt tired and frustrated by his situation with England, where he was always on the fringe and never knew where he stood from tour to tour.
He said he would have loved to be part of England’s title defense at the T20 World Cup in the West Indies next year, but he felt it was time to move on and focus on his family and domestic cricket.
“My time is done because I’ve called time on it, but it’s with deep regret,” said Willey to reporters at Eden Gardens, where England played their last match of the World Cup against India.
“I think anybody looking in has probably looked at the way I’ve gone about my business and probably playing the best cricket of my career,” added the left-handed batter.
Moreover, the English cricketer admitted that he was always on the edge of the squad and never felt secure about his place.
He expressed his regret for not being able to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which he believed he could have contributed to.
Willey thanked his supporters, colleagues, and family for their backing and said he was proud of his career with England, which included winning the 2022 T20 World Cup.
He said he would keep playing domestic cricket and hoped to help the game in other roles. He wished the England team good luck for the future and hoped they would recover from their disappointing performance.
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