Felt Like A "Third Wheel": England Pacer David Willey On His Retirement

13.11.2023 - 09:35 sports.ndtv.com

An emotional David Willey has revealed that he felt like a "third wheel" in England's changing room for being the only player in their World Cup squad not having a central contract.

The pacer, who is performing at his best right now and grabbed three wickets against Pakistan on Saturday, added that his retirement decision was final.

Having been denied a central contract for the 2023-24 season, 'player of the match' Willey announced his retirement after reaching 100 ODI wickets. "I don't think never say never but right now I'm very confident my decision that today was my last game of cricket for England," he told reporters after helping England secure a 93-run win over Pakistan at the Eden Gardens.

Asked if he would be tempted to come back for one last go, Willey said, "Do I want to go to the Caribbean and run drinks and not know where I stand and just feel like a third wheel again, which is very much what I felt like when I turned up at Lord's and being the only one without a contract, probably not so I'm done. "My time is done because I've called time on it, but it's with deep regret, I think.

cricket England Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Team World Cup 2023 on Eden Gardens David Willey Pakistan

During Pakistan's last match of Cricket World Cup 2023 on Saturday, their skipper Babar Azam hogged the limelight for the wrong reason. Pakistan's game which was against England kicked off with captain Jos Buttler winning the toss and opting to bat first. On the first ball of the 41st over of the England innings, Shaheen Afridi dismissed Ben Stokes. As the Pakistan players gathered to congratulate the bowler, Babar seemingly tried to put Mohammad Rizwan's hands down while the wicketkeeper was trying to celebrate the wicket with his teammates.

Watch - Mohammad Rizwan "Tried To Do An MS Dhoni And...": England Great Amused By Awkward Wicketkeeping In Cricket World Cup Game

Pakistan's forgettable outing at the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 ended with a loss against England on Saturday. With four wins in nine games, the Babar Azam-led side finished fifth in the 10-team competition. There was not much positive to be taken from the match for Pakistan. However, there was an awkward moment when former England captain Nasser Hussain was amused with the wicketkeeping of Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan on one occasion.

On Poor World Cup Show, Shoaib Malik Blasts Pakistan With Fiery "Learn From India" Remark

Pakistan have been eliminated from the round-robin stage of the ODI World Cup 2023. The 1992 Cricket World Cup champions gave a poor account of themselves as they finished their campaign with only four wins in nine matches. The Babar Azam-led side had a below-par show at the prestigious tournament, which has invited a lot of backlash from many former cricketers. Former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik slammed the team management and the cricket board for not having a bigger pool of players like Team India, who even had a backup plan despite facing a crucial injury.

England will not overhaul ODI setup despite dismal World Cup, says Jos Buttler

England captain Jos Buttler insisted the ODI setup will not undergo a major overhaul after their dismal World Cup defence came to a conclusion with a consolation victory over Pakistan on Saturday.

England's poor World Cup doesn't mean 'huge clear-out,' says skipper Buttler

England's One-Day International setup will not undergo a major overhaul despite a dismal World Cup campaign, captain Jos Buttler said after his side's consolation victory over Pakistan on Saturday.

Chris Woakes Surpasses Ian Botham To Become England's Most Successful Bowler In World Cups

Chris Woakes became England's most successful bowler in World Cups as he surpassed former all-rounder Ian Botham after claiming a single wicket during England's 93-run victory over Pakistan at the iconic Eden Gardens. Woakes' 31st wicket was the final dismissal of the night as he bowled a slower off delivery, Haris Rauf slogged it with full strength trying to clear the boundary but his shot went straight to Ben Stokes at mid-on.