Cricket World Player of the Week - David Willey

For his maiden 5-wicket haul in ODI cricket and match-winning contributions in both the first two matches of the ODI series between England and Ireland, David Willey is the Cricket World Player of the Week.

Shortly before the England squad for the 2019 World Cup was announced, it became clear that Jofra Archer would get the nod. It was also evident that it was David Willey who would have to sacrifice his spot to let Archer in. And, this is exactly what happened.

Many, including Willey himself, thought that his England career was over after the snub. And it may well have been the case had the Covid-19 pandemic not wreaked havoc. Under the most unique of circumstances, England had to field different squads for white-ball cricket and red-ball cricket and this is what gave Willey the opportunity to don the England Blues for the first time in 14 months.

Willey was on point, picking up his maiden 5-wicket haul and pushing Ireland on the back foot. Contrary to belief, Willey found just 0.28 degrees of swing during his first 6 overs but even that was enough to plant the seed of uncertainty in the mind of the batsmen.

David Willey now has 7?? wickets in the series ?? #ENGvIREpic.twitter.com/r38epHm47Q

— ICC (@ICC) August 1, 2020

After earning the Man of the Match award in the series-opener, Willey returned with another impactful performance in the second game as he first dismissed both Ireland openers Paul Stirling and Gareth Delany and then came back to score 47 not out when England were in a spot of bother at 137/6.

It was his unbeaten 79-run partnership with Sam Billings which took England to a 4-wicket victory and sealed the series for the side.

© Cricket World 2020