Watching Willey star for England gave Northants boss Ripley ‘butterflies’

David Ripley says watching David Willey perform for England has given everyone at Northants ‘butterflies’.
David Willey was in the wickets for EnglandDavid Willey was in the wickets for England
David Willey was in the wickets for England

Willey was in superb form for his country in the recent five-match ODI series against New Zealand, taking seven wickets in three matches to help secure a 3-2 victory.

And he followed that up on his international T20 debut on Tuesday night, taking three for 22 as England cruised to victory against the Kiwis at Old Trafford.

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Willey will now return to the Northants squad for the crucial NatWest T20 Blast double-header against Worcestershire Rapids and Nottinghamshire Outlaws on Friday and Saturday respectively.

And Steelbacks head coach Ripley said: “It’s fantastic,” said Ripley. “Watching David gives everyone a bit of pride around the club.

“He’s a Northampton lad, he’s come through the system and there’s quite a lot of butterflies watching him.

“We watched him when we got the chance and was good to see how he went.

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“It was nice to see him get some wickets and I’ve no doubt he can become an England regular in one-day cricket, both in 50 overs and the T20.”

The 25-year-old has gained vital experience with England, and Ripley knows that can only be a good thing for Northants.

He said: “David’s got his eyes open and will see what’s going on around him.

“He feeds back well and one of the great things about the past 12 months, since David was made vice-captain, is that he’s shown some maturity.

“He will certainly bring something back and if it will benefit us he will share it, no problem.”