Bob Willis questions England paternity leave

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Former England paceman Bob Willis has criticised members of the current squad for taking paternity leave during or before international commitments.

James Anderson returned home to England from the ongoing Ashes tour in Australia to attend the birth of his second child, while the England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed that both Graeme Swann and Paul Collingwood have been given permission to miss some of the build-up to the World Cup in the new year with their partners due to give birth in mid-February.

Willis, who took 325 wickets in 90 Test match appearances for England, is not in favour of players being permitted to take leave if it adversely affects the team.

He told the Daily Mail: "I don't agree with the Mothercare buggy-rolling thinking that modern man has. He should be on the cricket tour, that's his job.

"Two 24-hour flights in a week won't do him any good at all."

An ECB spokesman confirmed to Press Association Sport that Swann and Collingwood had been granted permission to attend the births of their children.