David Willey returns to England ODI squad

David Willey was ruled out of the forthcoming five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan with a hand injury, an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesperson has revealed that the left-arm pacer would rejoin the squad after the injury was deemed to be less serious than originally feared.

The Yorkshire bowler, who was struck on his left hand on his bowling follow-through, by a Mark Stoneman drive during the T20 Blast semifinal against Durham, completed the game with a strapped hand but was subsequently ruled out of the Pakistan ODIs following scans.

However, ECB confirmed that the extent of Willey’s injury was restricted to bruising and no bone break, thereby paving the way for Willey’s return to the squad after Wednesday’s opener in Southampton.

“On further review today, David Willey has been cleared of a fracture to his left hand and he will rejoin England’s ODI squad on Thursday. His progress will be monitored by the medical team during the series,” the spokesperson said on Monday (August 22).

Nottinghamshire seamer Jake Ball, who was named Willey’s replacement on Sunday, will, however, remain with the squad.