01 November 2023 , 08:36
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England all rounder David Willey has announced his international retirement midway through their shocking World Cup campaign.
The 33-year-old left arm seamer, and powerful lower order batter, has been one of their best players on a tour that has lurched from bad to worse, taking five wickets in three games, but he has had enough of turning out for the three lions.
There is no mention of it in his statement, but Willey is the only player in the squad to have been ignored in the latest round of central contract negotiations while others have been rewarded with multiple-year deals.
Clearly the straining of every sinew for a team whose hierarchy doesn’t think too much of Willey’s previous performances or his potential to play more in the coming years is enough for the Northamptonshire cricketer to look elsewhere for work.
Willey will continue to be available for selection over the next three games and insists he is still playing his best cricket. But England now have a decision to make over whether they continue to pick an in-form player who is disillusioned enough to walk away from the international game as soon as the tournament is over.
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In a statement on social media, Willey said: “I never wanted this day to come. From a young boy, I've only ever dreamed of playing cricket for England. So, with careful thought and consideration, it is with great regret that I feel the time has come for me to retire from all forms of International cricket at the end of the World Cup.
Willey is the only member of England's World Cup squad not to have been given a central contract (SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)“I have worn the shirt with immense pride and given my absolute everything to the badge on my chest. I've been very lucky to be a part of such an incredible white ball team with some of the best players in the world.
“I've made some special memories and great friends along the way and been through some very difficult times. 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.
“I'm sure everybody who knows me does not doubt that, whatever my involvement in the remainder of this campaign, I will give my everything and more! That's the only way I know.
“To my wife, two children, mum and dad, I wouldn't have been able to follow my dreams without your sacrifice and unwavering support throughout. Thank you for sharing the special memories and picking up the pieces when I've fallen apart - I'm eternally grateful.”
Those periods of support from his family will no doubt have included the time around the previous 50 over World Cup campaign when Willey was axed from the squad at the eleventh hour in preference for Jofra Archer, who would go on to play a starring role in the tournament win.
Son of former England international turned umpire Peter, Willey has played 113 times for England across two white ball formats taking 145 wickets so far.