ICC World Cup 2023: "I Was Obviously Delighted For The Lads, But It Hurt" - David Willey On His Snub From 2019 World Cup

England bowling all-rounder David Willey recently opened up about his omission from the national cricket team for the 2019 ODI World Cup at home. David Willey described his exclusion from the squad as a valuable lesson that helped him improve both professionally and personally.

David Willey was named in the provisional squad for the 2019 World Cup. However, the left-arm pacer was replaced by Jofra Archer, who had just become available for selection. Willey missed the golden opportunity to be part of England’s triumphant World Cup campaign on home soil.

Mixed Emotions The Day They Won It – David Willey

Speaking ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand, David Willey expressed mixed emotions about missing the 2019 Cricket World Cup squad. He revealed that he felt immense happiness for his teammates but was also disappointed not to be part of it.

“I’d been a big part of that from 2015 through to that World Cup, so there were mixed emotions the day they won it. I was obviously delighted for the lads, but it hurt. I’d have probably given my left arm to be a part of that,” Willey said.

“I think anything that happens to me in cricket now is never going to be as bad as that. As my career in the game goes on, and whatever I do after, I think that’s probably a difficult but great experience for me to have – hopefully, it can serve me well in other areas of my life.”

Thought That My England Career Was Done – David Willey

The 33-year-old acknowledged that he thought his international cricket career had come to an end after being left out of the 2019 World Cup squad. He admitted that he got an unexpected opportunity on the team when selectors formed two separate squads due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on Jofra Archer’s return to the squad, David Willey said that he remained focused on performing and helping England win games. He emphasized that player selection was not his responsibility.

“He looks in a good place. I don’t know where he is at, fitness-wise, but he was bowling with good wheels out there today. Everyone knows how good he is, what he’s capable of and how he can impact games. So to have him close, or not far away from being fit, is fantastic news.”

“Things change, and if it changes for me, it’s nothing I haven’t been through before. I’m going to go out there and perform, try to win games of cricket for England. It’s not my job to decide who goes on the plane.”

Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: “Played For 8 Years”- David Willey Opens Up On Not Having England’s Central Contract