Cricket World Cup 2023 - England Central Contract Snub Was 'Final Nail In Coffin': David Willey

An angry David Willey on Friday said that not being given central contract by the England board was the "final nail in coffin", making his decision to retire at 33 a lot more easier. Willey announced his international retirement amid defending champions England's disastrous outing in the ongoing World Cup. His decision follows the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision not to offer him a central contract for the 2023-24 cycle. "That (central contract snub), for me, was, probably, the final nail in the coffin really, and it made my decision a lot easier. "But these conversations around contracts all happened before we came out, so when we joined up at Lord's I knew I was the only one that didn't have one. It was difficult," Willey told Sky Cricket. "I was upset, angry and disappointed. But I respect their vision, and don't have to agree with them." Willey on Wednesday announced that he will retire from international cricket after the end of the World Cup but insisted that his team's underwhelming performance in the showpiece has not influenced his decision.

"I feel with two World Cups in 12 months, knowing my position in the squad, should there be injuries or whatever, I'm a chance and feel like I'm always a chance. I'm not involved in how these (things) are put together, who selects them.

"I don't necessarily have to agree with them. But you know, there are decisions that are made and I have to respect them and, and I make decisions based on how I feel around them." Willey made his international debut in 2015 against Ireland in Dublin and has played 70 ODIs (94 wickets) and 43 T20Is (51 wicket) so far. The left-hander has scored 627 ODI runs at an average of 26.12 with two fifties.

In this World Cup, Willey has