England seamer David Willey has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. The 33-year-old pacer announced in a social media post on Wednesday, 1 November, three days after England’s crushing defeat against India in the ODI World Cup 2023.
“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,” David Willey wrote in his post.
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“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,” Willey he further added.
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Willey has played 54 ODIs and 35 T20Is for England, picking up 89 and 40 wickets respectively. He was a part of England’s transition in white-ball cricket and was the highest wicket-taker for England in the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, with 10 wickets from 6 matches.
Willey’s retirement comes during England’s turbulent World Cup 2023 campaign, where the defending champions have lost 5 of their first 6 matches in the tournament. His retirement is a major blow to England’s bowling attack, and it will be interesting to see how they replace him in the lineup.
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Here is a more detailed look at Willey’s international career:
- ODIs: 54 matches, 89 wickets, best bowling figures: 5/30, average: 30.12, economy rate: 5.81
- T20Is: 35 matches, 40 wickets, best bowling figures: 3/23, average: 28.85, economy rate: 8.91
David Willey’s retirement is a major loss for England’s white-ball cricket. He has been a consistent performer for the team over the years, and he will be missed by his teammates and fans alike.
