Ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan has minced no words, calling England’s conduct towards bowler David Willey “shoddy,” following Willey’s revelation that he will be hanging up his international boots after the World Cup.
This shocking news emerges merely a week after England disclosed their latest contract agreements, conspicuously leaving out Willey, a 33-year-old veteran, as the only member of their World Cup roster without a deal.
Willey was far from a benchwarmer, having taken five wickets in England’s most recent trio of games in India. “In the last three matches, Willey was England’s MVP,” Vaughan pointed out.
“It’s absurd that England distributed 29 contracts and couldn’t see fit to offer him even a one-year deal. His treatment during this World Cup is nothing short of shoddy,” Vaughan lambasted.
In Focus: New Zealand vs South Africa at the World Cup
England’s Leadership Still in Buttler’s Hands – Commentary by Finn
Willey, a left-arm pacer, has an impressive résumé with 70 one-day internationals and 43 T20s to his name since his England debut in 2015. However, he found himself sidelined right before the 2019 World Cup to make room for speedster Jofra Archer—a tournament that England eventually won.
During England’s less-than-stellar current World Cup run in India, Willey was summoned to the starting lineup as a replacement for the axed Chris Woakes. Following this, he posted figures of 0-62, 2-30, and 3-45 in losses to South Africa, Sri Lanka, and India, respectively.
Vaughan further expounded, “If you have a player of Willey’s caliber in a World Cup, and with another T20 World Cup just around the corner, dismissing him from future plans is foolish. He could be just an injury away from making the 15-man roster.”
England Cricket’s managing director for men’s cricket, Rob Key, did acknowledge Willey’s contributions, stating that his appearances in over 100 white-ball games for England was a “monumental achievement.” However, Key also noted last week that Willey was less than thrilled about being snubbed from the new contract list, where his teammates received one, two, or even three-year deals.
“Sure, in an ideal world, we’d simply have a surplus of funds to offer him a contract just for participating in the World Cup,” Key added. “But several of these new contract recipients are multi-format players.”
Willey’s Farewell Statement
Willey’s impending international retirement opens the doors for him to participate in global T20 leagues. Remarkably, he has not featured in a first-class match since 2021. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed that from his youth, his dream was to play for England. He goes on to add that it was with “profound regret” that he saw fit to bring his international career to a close at the end of the World Cup, despite still feeling he had more to offer.
As the reigning champions, England has a daunting task ahead with just three games left in the current tournament and a looming threat of an early exit after losing five out of six games so far. While Willey is still available for selection, England might shift their gaze to emerging talents like Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse as they contemplate the road ahead.
Willey concluded, “This decision isn’t connected to our World Cup performance. Anyone who knows me understands that, regardless of my role for the rest of the tournament, I will give it my all—and then some. It’s the only way I know how to play.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about David Willey’s International Retirement
What prompted David Willey’s decision to retire from international cricket?
David Willey decided to retire from international cricket following the World Cup. His decision comes after England announced their new contract list, in which Willey was the only player from the World Cup squad to not receive a deal.
What has been Michael Vaughan’s reaction to Willey’s retirement and England’s treatment of him?
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has strongly criticized England’s treatment of David Willey, calling it “shoddy” and “disgraceful.” Vaughan expressed disbelief that Willey, despite being England’s best player in their last three matches, was not offered a contract.
How many matches has David Willey played for England?
David Willey has played 70 one-day internationals and 43 T20s for England since making his debut in 2015.
Was Willey a part of any significant tournament before?
Yes, Willey was a regular player in England’s ODI side and was in the squad until just before the 2019 World Cup. He was replaced by fast bowler Jofra Archer, and England went on to win that tournament.
How did Willey perform in the current World Cup before his retirement announcement?
During England’s current World Cup campaign in India, Willey was called into the starting XI to replace Chris Woakes. He returned figures of 0-62, 2-30, and 3-45 in losses to South Africa, Sri Lanka, and India, respectively.
What did England Cricket’s managing director say about Willey’s contributions?
Rob Key, England Cricket’s managing director for men’s cricket, acknowledged Willey’s contributions, stating that playing over 100 white-ball games for England is a “monumental achievement.”
What will Willey’s retirement mean for his career?
Willey’s decision to retire from international cricket will free him up to play in various T20 leagues around the world. He has not played a first-class match since 2021.
What’s next for England in the current World Cup?
As of now, England has three games remaining in the current World Cup tournament. They face the risk of being eliminated in the group stages after losing five of their six matches.
More about David Willey’s International Retirement
- David Willey’s Career Stats
- England’s World Cup Squad Announcement
- Michael Vaughan’s Comments on Test Match Special
- England Cricket Contract List for 2022-2023
- England’s Performance in the Current World Cup
- Jofra Archer’s 2019 World Cup Impact
- Chris Woakes’ Career and Recent Performance
- Rob Key’s Statement on David Willey
- Upcoming T20 Leagues Around the World
7 comments
I mean, Willey hasn’t exactly set the world on fire but still, snubbing him like this? bad move England, really bad move.
Man, what are England even thinking? Willey’s been solid for them and this is how they treat him? smh
So Willey’s off to the T20 leagues now? More power to him. Show England what they’re missing out on!
Not surprised, typical England cricket politics. Feel bad for Willey tho, guy deserved better.
If Willey was that good, why did he get dropped for Archer in 2019? just asking.
Looking at the numbers, it’s not a total shocker, but cmon… at least a one-year contract would’ve been fair.
Vaughan’s got a point, you can’t just sideline someone who’s been your best player in recent games. kinda disgraceful.