When David Willey took a hat-trick for Mumbai against England

England fast bowler David Willey often flies under the radar. He often does a dirty bit of work by keeping the opponent batters under a tight leash in the limited-overs cricket. Also, he was the most unlucky bowler to miss out on a berth in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, due to England preferring the extra pace of Jofra Archer instead.

Willey though is back again in England’s scheme of things as he is included in the white-ball series against Sri Lanka starting on June 23. The left-arm pacer also played a big role in revamping the England ODI set-up under the leadership of Eoin Morgan. During the ICC T20 World Cup in 2016, a few teams got to play practice games against Indian domestic sides.

England had faced Mumbai Cricket Association XI which included four England players – Adil Rashid, David Willey, Jos Buttler, and James Vince. The aim to include these players was to lend some experience in the otherwise weaker-looking Mumbai XI. The match was held at the Brabourne stadium with its sole aim of giving the players much-needed practice ahead of the global event.

The coin toss was won by Eoin Morgan and he decided to bat first. Willey was tasked to open the bowling alongside Indian pacer Shardul Thakur.

David Willey dismissed his own teammates

Morgan’s men could post only 177, but what caught the attention was Willey’s final three deliveries in the game. The left-arm pacer managed to dismiss Joe Root, Moeen Ali, and Chris Jordan to claim a memorable hat-trick. The wicket of Root on 48 was crucial as the batter was set and could have inflicted more damage.

Ali replaced him, but could not do much damage as Willey bounced him out. Jordan was sent back while he was trying to hit the bowler over deep cover. The treble was achieved, bringing cheer among the sparse crowd present at the ground.

Willey’s heroics with the ball could not save the Mumbai Cricket Association XI as they fell short by 14 runs. The left-arm pacer went on to have a memorable tournament in the showpiece event, as he picked up 10 wickets and helped England finish second in the 2016 T20 World Cup.

You can watch the hat-trick here