'Gutted' David Willey takes England World Cup exclusion in stride

"David was very unfortunate in missing out but he could easily have been in this World Cup squad, he deserves to be in the World Cup squad, but that's sport," chief selector Ed Smith said about Willey's exclusion.

Fast bowler David Willey, who was on Monday left out of England's final 15-member squad for the Cricket World Cup starting May 31, expressed disappointment over his exclusion on social media website Twitter, even as he  threw his weight behind the host side in the lead up to the quadrennial event. 

What can I say, I'm absolutely gutted. Still 100% behind the lads. On a positive.....still winning at life!! pic.twitter.com/h8AAoregxV

— David Willey (@david_willey) May 21, 2019

"David Willey has been a big part of the one-day side, he has had such a good run, it was a really tough call but someone had to miss out.

"David was very unfortunate in missing out but he could easily have been in this World Cup squad, he deserves to be in the World Cup squad, but that's sport. Sometimes there are more deserving people than there are places in the squad," national selector Ed Smith had said.

"He's an outstanding man. He's very honest, very, very dignified, very clear to the conversation we had, a very impressive man. He's a very impressive cricketer, it is extremely unfortunate," he added. Willey has featured in 46 ODIs , grabbing 52 wickets at an economy rate of 5.75.

IPL pull out

Earlier,  Willey had pulled out of the Indian Premier League because of personal reasons. Willey, who played three matches for the Super Kings in 2018, was quoted by Yorkshire County Cricket Club website as saying that “unfortunately due to some family reasons, I’ve had to pull out of the IPL“.

“We are due for our second baby and my wife’s had a bit of a tough time, so I’m having to make sure she’s alright,” he said.