Credit: Twitter
Amid England's poor ICC ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, Fast-bowling all-rounder David Willey has announced retirement from all forms of international cricket. Willey posted a tweet sharing this development and confirmed that he will hang his boots from international cricket at the end of the World Cup in India.
Willey's announcement comes after England Cricket didn't include the Sussex all-rounder on their list of contracted players announced during the World Cup. Willey made his England debut in the washed-out game against Ireland in Malahide in May 2015 and soon became a regular member of their white-ball revolution under Eoin Morgan, Trevor Bayliss and Andrew Strauss. He has so far picked up 94 wickets in 70 ODIs, and a further 51 in 43 T20Is.
In his announcement, D avid Willey shared that he never hoped the day would come but after a lot of thought, he had to take this decision. He further thanked everyone who sacrificed in his journey and also confirmed that the decision wasn't due to the poor performance in the World Cup.
He 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.
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 whiteball 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.
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.
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."
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