T20 World Cup: David Willey says England considering dunking balls in water

ICC Men's T20 World Cup: England v West Indies
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium Date: 23 October Time: 15:00 BST
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, plus text commentary, in-play clips and video highlights on BBC Sport website and app.

England players are considering dunking balls in buckets of water to replicate the dew they will face at the T20 World Cup, says seamer David Willey.

Humid conditions in the United Arab Emirates can create moisture on the pitch and outfield, making it harder for bowlers and fielders to grip the ball.

Asked if England could replicate conditions during practice sessions, Willey said: "It is something we have discussed and something we'll be doing."

He added: "It is never going to be perfect, but there are things we can put into place - even if it is just dunking balls in buckets and catching, fielding, bowling with wet balls.

"We're probably getting some more towels on the way for the lads that are heavy sweaters."

Dew tends to be more of a factor in evening matches. Excess moisture makes it difficult for spinners in particular, although it can also make batting easier as the ball skids on.

England begin their campaign against defending champions West Indies in Dubai on Saturday at 15:00 BST.

Willey played in the final five years ago, when England were beaten in a last-over thriller by West Indies.

"We have learned from that final and talked about slowing the game down - that final over seemed like it happened within a few seconds," Willey said.

"Should we find ourselves in those situations, we will do it at our pace and make sure we take the time we need."

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128 comments

Comment posted by nickpig, at 15:05 21 Oct 2021
I thought this headline was referring to some weird initiation thing at first.
Comment posted by 23Mike, at 15:09 21 Oct 2021
Be careful dunking the ball in water, the Aussies might dry them off with sandpaper
Reply posted by Geordie Superhero-Whey-Aye-Man, at 15:19 21 Oct 2021
Geordie Superhero-Whey-Aye-Man replied:
Wipe it down with a Bunnings snag bun
Comment posted by Just some bloke, at 15:21 21 Oct 2021
Spectacular headline.
Reply posted by RobLondon, at 15:27 21 Oct 2021
RobLondon replied:
The sidebar version just reads "We might dunk balls in buckets of water."

Certainly gave me a chuckle haha
Comment posted by Rapshank, at 17:22 21 Oct 2021
How about they train at night as well??? That would replicate the conditions exactly and no talk of buckets etc. Could climatise them for the evening games, too!
Reply posted by Socks, at 17:25 21 Oct 2021
Socks replied:
No, I think that’s too sensible.
Comment posted by Bozzy, at 16:43 21 Oct 2021
There's definitely a joke in there somewhere about getting Willey wet.
Comment posted by Johnny_Lee, at 15:06 21 Oct 2021
Ah yes, the Mecca of Cricket, United Arab Emirates. The obvious choice.
Reply posted by Geordie Superhero-Whey-Aye-Man, at 15:12 21 Oct 2021
Geordie Superhero-Whey-Aye-Man replied:
Arguably its the ideal "half-way-point" for the major cricketing Nations though, certainly where there's usually decent weather.
I'm not 100% in favour of it, if truth be told, but it does serve a function for a game with the geographical spread it does have.
Comment posted by The Maldonian, at 15:26 21 Oct 2021
Just don't rub them afterwards with sandpaper. Or the cricket balls.
Reply posted by ADG, at 15:43 21 Oct 2021
ADG replied:
Make sure there's no dust in their pockets either!
Comment posted by Huggie, at 18:18 21 Oct 2021
Willey dunks his balls to get them wet
Reply posted by Lyndhurst, at 19:47 21 Oct 2021
Lyndhurst replied:
The bowler’s Holding, the batsman’s (oops, sorry, batter’s) Willey😂😂
Comment posted by Hawzeeboy, at 18:01 21 Oct 2021
Crickey this bubble thing seems to be taking its toll.
Comment posted by Kayembe, at 15:20 21 Oct 2021
Oh, they mean cricket balls...
Comment posted by Tony Chestnut, at 16:26 21 Oct 2021
Headline sounds like we're back to the days of Beefy and his jolly japes
Comment posted by Socks, at 17:24 21 Oct 2021
Wiley may have balls on his mind, no problem he’s a bowler, however the first testicular guard was used in Cricket in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. It took 100 years for England cricketers to realize that the brain is also important, perhaps that’s where we’re falling short?
Reply posted by D1710484242143, at 22:52 21 Oct 2021
D1710484242143 replied:
What use is the latter without the former?
Comment posted by Getsumspecs, at 21:03 21 Oct 2021
Could they not use some kind of abrasive to get a better grip?
Comment posted by AJ94, at 20:20 21 Oct 2021
You immature bunch of teenagers. I love it.
Comment posted by queen lizzie, at 16:07 22 Oct 2021
Nothing to do with this headline I know, but just read that postponed test with India has been rescheduled for July. I wish all England fans would boycott this match or maybe ask for both teams to donate their match fees/winnings to county cricket. Disgraceful lack of respect shown by IPL players.
Reply posted by RKP80, at 22:12 22 Oct 2021
RKP80 replied:
I’m sure the ECB will be making a big donation to CSA and the PCA as well.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black….
Comment posted by DavetheWave, at 16:24 21 Oct 2021
" Excess moisture makes it difficult for spinners in particular" - someone should have told the Afghan spinners that yesterday.
Reply posted by afcdon, at 16:33 21 Oct 2021
afcdon replied:
That makes no sense. Afghanistan haven't even played yet
Comment posted by Jossies, at 20:30 21 Oct 2021
Is it first of April
Comment posted by Socks, at 17:01 21 Oct 2021
I presume if we get to the final and it comes down to the last over, bowled by Wiley and he takes his time (as stated in the article above) then we will probably see the opposition hit three or four sixes slowly?
Reply posted by Lyndhurst, at 19:48 21 Oct 2021
Lyndhurst replied:
Wiley Willey, eh?😂
Comment posted by PKR_R_I_P, at 22:59 21 Oct 2021
don`t forget .... the classic ..

oooohhh that`s a bit short & Beefy couldn`t get his leg over

wet balls or not
Comment posted by Rizla, at 13:24 22 Oct 2021
So just like the football team practising penalties before a tournament.