BBL 2023: David Willey Decides Not To Play For Sydney Thunder This Season

David Willey has withdrawn from the Big Bash two days after winning a T20 World Cup winner’s medal with England’s victorious team after Sydney Thunder decided to end his contract.

At pick seven in the first BBL draught in August, Willey was selected by the Sydney Thunder as their platinum signing. He is also a member of England’s ODI squad for future matches against Australia.

“David and his management have been tremendous to deal with, Sydney Thunder regrets David won’t be playing for us this season, but we wish him and his family all the very best for the future” Head of Sydney Thunder, Andrew Gilchrist said.

Willey was a member of the England team that won the T20 World Cup on Sunday, but he was unable to play in any of the matches that took place during the competition. Willey is renowned for his powerful hitting with the willow in addition to his skill with the ball, having scored a few hundred in the T20 format. Thunder has now started looking for an appropriate replacement.

David Willey’s withdrawal is a setback for Thunder:

Given that Alex Hales and Rilee Rossouw, two of Thunder’s international batters, would be departing in early January, Willey’s decision to withdraw is undoubtedly a disappointment. But following the conclusion of the Tests at home this summer, they will be allowed to use David Warner’s services for the first time since 2013.

“We have started the process, but Sydney Thunder boasts some incredible players on this summer’s roster, Alex Hales has been a star for England’s T20 World Cup campaign, and Rilee Rossouw proved while playing for South Africa how dangerous he can be,” Gilchrist said.

“We also have the best signing of the season in Dave Warner, while Jason Sangha, Chris Green, Tanveer Sangha, Ben Cutting, and Matthew Gilkes are among the best in the business” Gilchrist Added.

On December 13, Thunder will play the Melbourne Stars at the Manuka Oval to open the new campaign.

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