Willey retires after being left out of England’s central contract list

• Vaughan slams England’s treatment of Willey after World Cup retirement.
• Willey left out of central contracts despite World Cup success.
• England’s World Cup campaign falters with five losses in six matches.

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has strongly criticized England’s treatment of bowler David Willey, calling it “disgraceful.”

This follows Willey’s announcement that he will retire from international cricket after the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The controversy arises from Willey being the only member of the World Cup squad not offered a contract in England’s recent central contract announcements.

During England’s disappointing World Cup campaign in India, David Willey was brought into the playing XI after Chris Woakes was dropped and went on to take five wickets in three matches. Michael Vaughan expressed his disbelief at the situation, saying, “He’s been England’s best player in the last three games. England have given out 29 contracts, and he wasn’t deemed worthy of a one-year contract, which I found staggering. The way he’s been treated in this World Cup has been disgraceful.”

Vaughan further pointed out the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for next June and the importance of keeping players like David Willey in consideration. He said, “Even if you think at this stage David Willey isn’t going to be in the squad for the T20 World Cup, he’s probably an injury away from being in that 15.”

David Willey, a left-arm seamer, has represented England in 70 one-day internationals and 43 T20 matches since making his international debut in 2015. He had been a consistent presence in the ODI squad until he was left out on the eve of the 2019 World Cup, making way for fast bowler Jofra Archer, who played a pivotal role in England’s successful campaign.

Vaughan argued, “So you can’t tell me you don’t want to be looking after someone like David Willey. I don’t see how you can give 29 contracts out, yet you don’t give one to someone who’s playing the best in the World Cup.”

As it stands, England, the defending champions, find themselves at the bottom of the World Cup table with five defeats in six matches. They are mathematically alive in the competition but face an uphill battle. With three games remaining against Australia, Netherlands, and Pakistan, England’s chances of advancing in the tournament hang in the balance.

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