England all-rounder David Willey on Wednesday announced that he will retire from the international game at the end of ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 in India.
The left-arm bowler took to social media to announce his decision amidst England’s ongoing World Cup campaign. Willey’s decision comes a week after England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) decision not to offer him a central contract for the 2023-24 cycle.
The all-rounder, who is among the few England players who have done well over the last four weeks in India, taking five wickets at 27.20 and hitting 42 runs from the lower order in three matches, was the only member of their World Cup squad who did not feature in the list of 26 central contracts.
“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 wrote in a post on his Instagram page.
“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.
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,” he added.
The left-armer also clarified that the decision had nothing to do with England’s bad run in the tournament.
“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.”
The 33-year-old Willey will continue to play short-form cricket at home and around the world.
Till 1 November, Willey played 70 ODIs and 43 T20Is for England. He has 94 ODI wickets (bowling average of 30.34) and 51 T20I wickets (average of 23.13). He has also been a handy contributor with the bat, with an ODI average of 26.12 to go with a strike rate of 93.3. His T20I batting average was 15.06 with a healthy strike-rate of 130.63.
England have three more League stage games in the ongoing World Cup. They face their arch-rivals Australia in their next game in Ahmedabad on November 4.
