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England's star seamer David Willey retired from international cricket on November 1, after England lost to India in Lucknow during the ODI World Cup 2023. His retirement fueled speculation about the dressing room atmosphere in the England camp, which is having its worst-ever ODI World Cup campaign. Willey announced his decision on social media, saying that he had worn the England jersey with great pride and that the 2023 World Cup was the right time for him to end his international career.
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"I never wanted this day to come. From a young boy, I've only ever dreamed of playing cricket for England. 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 wrote in his post.
"I have worn the shirt with immense pride and given my absolute everything to the badge on my chest. 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," Willey further added.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Willey explained what led to his retirement and said that the England and Wales Cricket Board's central contracts had left him hurt, angry, and upset. He was not included in the ECB's 29-man list, despite being part of the 2023 World Cup squad.
"Look, I think that for me was probably the final nail in the coffin. Really? Um, and made my decision a lot easier. Um, but, you know, these conversations around contracts all happened, um, 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," he told Sky Sports.
"I think Upset, upset, angry. Disappointed. Um, but as I said, you know, I, I respect their decision. Don't have to agree with it. And, um, it made my decision a lot easier," he spoke about his feelings at the time.
The seamer said that he was anyway going to retire later in the summer, as he did not want to experience the constant pressure and anxiety of being selected for the team and performing in matches.
"Over the last, you know, probably 6 to 8 months. Um, you know, the landscape's changing. It's always been hard for me to make sure I'm in the squads. I've got no guarantees and the anxiety leading up to every selection. And then when I am playing, looking over my shoulder, um, you know it it starts to weigh heavy on you. And I've done that for a long time now," he continued.
"I was desperate to play in this World Cup and, you know, it was great to be here, but, um, you know, all that rolled into one. You know, I just felt I've given my all and I don't think I can do that anymore," the seamer concluded.
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