David Willey is on the verge of an international milestone and would love to make it a family affair.
Yorkshire’s Vitality Blast captain has joined up with England’s T20 squad for their forthcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, starting in Cardiff on Wednesday.
The in-form all-rounder has also won a place in the squad for as many one-day internationals which follow immediately.
Willey, aged 31, has played 49 one-day internationals for the England since debuting in May 2015, whilst he was still a Northamptonshire player.
“It (the call-up) was unexpected to be honest,” he said. “From 12-24 month ago, it’s been a rollercoaster. But it’s great to be called back up.
“I’m in a pretty good place with my game and I’m enjoying my cricket.
“That’s the most important thing for me, to enjoy it, because I had a period of time where I didn’t want to be near a cricket ground. It will be nice to go and play.
“What I’d really like to do is to play my 50th cap and, if Covid allows, for my dad (Peter) to give me my 50th cap.
“That would be a special moment, as much for my dad as me.
“His words would probably be quite short, I’d imagine! But that would be nice.”
Peter Willey played 52 times for England (26 Tests and 26 ODIs) between 1976 and 1986, and was born in Durham – the venue of the opening ODI against the Sri Lankans on June 29.
David’s recall to England’s limited overs plans for the first time since last August opens up the possibility of a late bid for T20 World Cup selection later this year.
After the heartbreak of his one-day World Cup omission in early 2019, it would be a Roy of the Rovers type story for the Northampton-born star if he were to win a place in the squad for the October/November tournament.
But that is not something he is currently thinking about.
“I’ve got to a really happy place with what I’m doing in my cricket, and that’s my focus,” he added.
“I won’t be getting caught up in worrying about selection for this squad or that. What will be will be.”
Willey has taken 18 wickets and scored 142 runs in five Championship appearances for Yorkshire this summer plus seven wickets and 57 runs in four T20 games.
