Willey’s five-wicket haul on return to side inspires England to victory
David Willey celebrated his England return with a maiden one-day international five wicket haul as the world champions drew first blood in the Royal London series against Ireland at the Ageas Bowl.
Willey was jettisoned to accommodate Jofra Archer in England’s World Cup squad last year, but with several regulars absent due to their Test commitments the Yorkshire left-armer took centre stage on his international comeback.
In England’s first home ODI since winning their first global 50-over tournament, Willey’s five for 30 restricted Ireland to 172 all out in 44.4 overs, a total the hosts overhauled with six wickets to spare.
England had lurched to 78 for four but Sam Billings, included after Joe Denly’s withdrawal due to a back injury, settled any nerves with a supreme 67 not out off 54 deliveries in an unbroken 96-run stand with Eoin Morgan.
England therefore got over the line with 22.1 overs still remaining at the start of a three-odi series which marks the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, forming part of the qualification process for India 2023.
Man-of-the-match Willey said: “I wasn’t sure if my opportunity would come again after the last 12 months. I absolutely loved getting out there and wearing the Three Lions again and it was a bonus that I did well.
“I’m 30 – however many games I play, I’m going to make sure I enjoy them. I play my best cricket when I’m enjoying it and hopefully results like that keep coming.”
England captain Morgan said: “Pretty happy, winning the toss and bowling isn’t always easy here but David Willey was outstanding today. Where he’s been in the last year or so, missing out on the World Cup, it’s a fantastic story and comeback.
“I am delighted to have him back and firing. He and Saqib (Mahmood) were outstanding, they really did peg Ireland back. I am delighted to start the series with a win.”