Hand injury rules David Willey out of Pakistan series

England left-arm pacer David Willey will be ruled out of action in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan with a hand injury he suffered at Edgbaston in the final of the NatWest T20 Blast. He will be replaced by Northamptonshire’s Jake Ball who also participated in the final of the first edition of England’s T20 domestic tournament.

Reports from various sources went on to suggest that Willey was struck on the hand whilst playing in the second semifinal of the day against Durham. In spite of this, Willey showed true grit and character as he went on to complete bowling his four overs. Doubts were raised when Willey came out to open the batting for his side Yorkshire. However, in spite of this, the southpaw clearly seemed to be wincing in pain.

Although it is certainly difficult to spell out the extent of the injury at the moment, it is clear that the ECB will not back away from a full as well as scathing report on perhaps one of their more prominent bowlers in limited-overs’ at the moment. A statement from the board went on to state that the X-Ray “has not excluded a significant injury”. Moreover, the ECB will employ a consultant to read into subsequent scans on Willey’s injury before a fitness test is scheduled for the same.

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David Willey has been an integral part of the ‘shake-up’ going on within the impregnable doors of the England Cricket Board. With the director of cricket Andrew Strauss showing that he can indeed bring down the ax, it is clear that underperformers most certainly do not have a place in the team.

Willey has become a central figure in the unit since making his debut the previous year. Moreover, he has also featured in 18 ODIs and 11 T20Is including a few matches played in the 2016 edition of the World T20 where his side reached the final. Jake Ball, Willey’s replacement has now earned his first call-up to the ODI side after being handed a Test debut in the first ENG v PAK Test at Lord’s.