Major setback for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League 2022–2023 as platinum signing David Willey withdraws. David Willey was Sydney Thunder’s first-round pick in the 2022–23 draft.
Sydney Thunder, a Big Bash Competition team, has announced David Willey’s departure from the upcoming season of the premier league. Before the new season, Thunder signed the all-around bowler as their “golden selection.”
Willey was a member of the England T20 World Cup winning team. Which just finished its campaign in Australia by defeating Pakistan. But throughout the whole Three Lions campaign, the athlete didn’t take part in any of the games. Willey and the Sydney Thunder management agreed to end his contract before the start of the season.
“David and his management have been tremendous to deal with. Sydney Thunder regrets David won’t be playing for us this season, but we wish him and his family all the very best for the future,”
Andrew Gilchrist said.
David Willey leaves the BBL.
It is reported that the left-arm pacer was initially scheduled to be available for the team for the whole BBL 2022–23 season. The player’s removal from the team, though, will now come as a severe setback.
From BBL|05 to BBL|08, Willey wore the Perth Scorchers uniform for four seasons, recording 26 wickets in his 27 matches for the team. The players that were nominated for the draft are now available for Sydney Thunder to sign as a replacement foreign player. Cricket Australia, however, has the option of including additional players if they are thought to add value to the competition.
The Englishman is the second platinum pick to withdraw from the next edition, following his colleague Liam Livingstone, who was unexpectedly called up to England’s Test team for the forthcoming trip of Pakistan.
Livingstone, on the other hand, will join the Melbourne Renegades when the Pakistan trip complete. The Renegades have picked Andre Russell as Livingstone’s replacement for the first four games of the season.
Read also: According to reports, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will miss the IPL 2023.