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David Willey Announces Retirement Amid England's Horrible World Cup Campaign

image-lofhro1bDavid Willey set to retire from international cricket (Twitter)

David Willey has sent a shockwave amidst cricket fans by announcing that the closure of England's ICC World Cup 2023 campaign will be his final point of international representation. Willey, who has been key to England's limited-overs set-up, will retire from international cricket and bid farewell to the top-level game at the end of the ongoing tournament. 

Integral to England's balance and playing combination as a left-arm new-ball swing merchant who could be a handy power-hitter with the bat down the order, the experienced cricketer issued a statement confirming his surprising decision on his Twitter handle on Wednesday (November 1).

"I never wanted this day to come. From a young boy, I've only ever dreamed of playing cricket for England," Willey said in the statement. "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 to retire after World Cup 2023 

The 33-year-old cricketer will add just three more international caps to his 70 ODIs and 68 T20Is and spend time plying his trade in domestic cricket and T20 leagues for the rest of his career in the competitive game. 

Willey said the doom and gloom of England's disastrous World Cup campaign has nothing to do with his decision, although the cricketer's controversial axing from England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) annual central contracts list is believed to have played a huge part. 

The earnest player was one of the notable absentees from the list for annual retainership fees offered to England internationals by the ECB for 2023-24. The decision had cast doubt on Willey's future involvement at the highest level and now it has been confirmed that he is indeed partying ways with England. 

"I have worn the shirt with immense pride and given my absolute everything to the badge on my chest," the statement reads. "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," he added.