'The style of cricket will be very similar to the New Zealand series'
Wednesday 2 September 2015 13:27, UK
David Willey wasn't surprised by England's Ashes success after his involvement with the one-day side earlier this summer, and is now eager to get the better of Australia himself.
Willey helped a new 'positive' England ODI side to a 3-2 series win over New Zealand with eight wickets across four matches at 28.12 apiece, and had figures of 3-22 in their T20 win.
"I think you could see from those five games that the quality of players we have in the squad are capable of that attacking brand of cricket," said Willey. "It was exciting to be a part of a fantastic series.
"The atmosphere in the dressing-room was maybe something that hadn't been there previously and I thoroughly enjoyed working with Paul Farbrace, and now certainly look forward to seeing how Trevor Bayliss puts his spin on things.
"We were encouraged to go out and play positive cricket and change our style of play. You can't expect it to work every time, but everyone was a bit surprised by how quickly things did come together.
"I think they talked about carrying some of that attitude and atmosphere from the ODIs across into the Ashes, and wrongly, England were written off before the series by a lot of pundits, but the guys bowled exceptionally well and deserved all the success they had.
"I think that Ashes defeat will have fuelled Australia though to want to get one over us in the one-day series. I imagine the style of cricket will be very similar to that of the New Zealand series and I just can't wait to get stuck in."
Willey had some congratulatory words for fellow fast-bowler Mark Wood after his involvement in England's Ashes win, and although the two have struck up a friendship in the side, Wood wasn't quick to get back in touch.
"I dropped Woody a message, but I obviously wasn't very high up on his priorities as he got back to me a few days later," he said.
"We both came in to the side for the Ireland ODI earlier this year having never played before so as the two newbies, we stuck together a little bit.
"He's good fun – takes everything with a pinch of salt and enjoys himself. We just clicked and I enjoy his company on and off the field.
"He is one of a good bunch of lads in there – a handful of new guys – that just want to go out, perform and win games."
Willey hopes he can eventually join Wood in the England Test side too, having sealed a move to county champions Yorkshire next summer.
But a full season of first-class cricket for the county and some continued success in the England ODI side are his immediate aims.
"Test cricket is the pinnacle and I'd love to represent my country in Tests," added Willey. "But I have struggled with injuries and haven't been able to string a season of first-class cricket together.
"My main priority is to stay fit and hopefully make myself a permanent fixture in the ODI team, and then hopefully use that as a stepping stone to push my claim for a Test spot."
Watch the England and Australia ODI series exclusively live on Sky Sports 2, with the first game from The AGEAS Bowl live from 1.30pm on Thursday.
