Vaughan labels England treatment of Willey as 'disgraceful'

Michael Vaughan has called England's treatment of David Willey "disgraceful" following the all-rounder's announcement that he will retire from international duty after the Cricket World Cup.

Willey's decision comes just a week after the defending world champions announced 29 new central contracts, with the 33-year-old the only member of the current one-day international squad not to receive one.

He has played in each of the last three matches at the tournament in India, taking five wickets.

Former captain Vaughan told Test Match Special: "He's been England's best player in the last three games.

"England have given out 29 contracts and he wasn't worthy of a one-year contract, which I found staggering.

"The way he's been treated in this World Cup has been disgraceful."

Willey has played 70 ODIs since making his debut in May 2015 and was part of England's squad for last year's T20 World Cup in Australia — which Jos Buttler's side won.

With another T20 World Cup set to take place in the United States and the West Indies next June, Vaughan believes England have made a mistake by not keeping faith with someone of Willey's experience.

He added: "You've got a player playing in a World Cup, there's a T20 World Cup next June, and even if you think at this stage Willey isn't going to be in the squad for the T20 World Cup, he's probably an injury away from being in that 15.

"So you can't tell me you don't want to be looking after someone like Willey. 

"I don't see how you can give 29 contracts out, yet you don't give one to someone who's playing the best in the World Cup."

Willey's decision to retire means he will be available to play in franchise leagues around the world, starting with the SA20 in January where he represented Durban Super Giants in the inaugural edition earlier this year.