NEWS
Follow UsEngland’s last match of the 2023 World Cup against Pakistan in Kolkata on November 11 will be David Willey’s last international game, the left-arm seamer announced on Wednesday (November 1).
The 33-year-old made the announcement after the ECB decided not to offer him a central contract for the 2023-24 cycle. He is the only member of England's struggling 15-man squad in India not to be given a deal of any kind.
The fast-bowling all-rounder has been one of the few England members who has done well in the ongoing World Cup. In three encounters, Willey has claimed five wickets at an average of 27.2 and an economy of 5.66. He has also managed to score 42 runs at a strike rate of 91.30.
"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.
"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."
Willey, so far, has featured in 70 ODIs and 43 T20Is, picking up 145 wickets in international cricket. He also has a couple of half-centuries to his name in ODI cricket.
He missed out on England's 2019 World Cup triumph after he was dropped from the squad shortly before the tournament, with fast bowler Jofra Archer taking his place.
Willey, who made his international debut in May 2015, will continue to play short-form cricket in England and across the globe, including the Indian Premier League, where he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore last season.
