England pacer David Willey didn’t filter his words as he stated on Friday (November 3) that ECB’s decision not to award him a central contract was the decisive factor behind his retirement at the age of 33.
On November 1, Willey announced that the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is his last assignment for the England team.
The left-arm quick was a part of England's transition in white-ball cricket and was the highest wicket-taker for his team in the 2016 T20 World Cup in India. He was also in the provisional England squad for the 2019 World Cup, but was harshly dropped to accommodate Jofra Archer.
"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."
England are enduring a terrible World Cup 2023 campaign. The defending champions have won one out of their six games and find themselves at the bottom of the 10-team points table.
However, Willey made it clear that his team's below-par showing in the marquee event 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 I make decisions based on how I feel around them."
In the ongoing World Cup, Willey has featured in three matches, displaying his bowling prowess by picking up five wickets.
"Over the last six to eight months, the landscape's changing," he said. "It's always been hard for me to make sure I'm in (England) squads and I've got no guarantees, and the anxiety leading up to every selection. Then when I am playing, looking over my shoulder, it starts to weigh heavy on you and I've done that for a long time now.
"I was desperate to play in this World Cup and it was great to be here. But you know all that rolled into one. I just felt I've given my all and I don't think I can do that anymore."
Willey, who was part of England’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign last year, was asked why he didn’t wait for the showpiece tournament to get over before announcing his retirement.
"Towards the back end of the summer, I knew it was always going to be around this time. I knew it was coming. I wasn't sure what my involvement would be in the white-ball stuff in England before we came. (I) made the side here, and I've managed to get into the side and perform," said Willey.
"I just feel that there's not very many opportunities in cricket to walk away when the time is right for you. And I really wanted to finish my career, whatever my involvement is in these last three games, able to enjoy it, and not carrying the weight of this decision, and looking over my shoulder thinking if I'm not performing, I'm out of the side again.
"To have played three games …and that game against India, full crowd in a World Cup in India. I walked out to bat there, they were doing a strobe light show, you know, and I thought as I walked down the steps, I thought I'm done."
(With PTI inputs)
