Placed ninth on the points table after a humiliating loss to South Africa, Jos Buttler's England have been dealt a huge blow as their strike bowler Reece Topley has been ruled out of the remainder of World Cup 2023. Topley fractured his left index finger during the clash against South Africa on October 21 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
The left-arm pacer was taken for scans after the match in Mumbai. He will leave the cap and return to England where the Surrey medical team will examine his injury and start rehabilitation.
England Cricket Board (ECB) is yet to announce Topley’s replacement. However, their statement read, “A replacement will be announced in due course.”
England’s tearaway pacer Jofra Archer who has been a part of their camp as a travelling reserve is unlikely to replace Topley in the squad. After England’s 229-run defeat to South Africa, head coach Matthew Mott told Sky Sports, “Jof is actually not going to be considered for selection. He’s reported to the medical staff, but he’s not going to be able to play a part in the end of this campaign.”
Topley got injured early on in the innings. He left the field to get medical attention. An angry Topley hit the chair in the dressing room as he had to leave his spell midway. He ended up conceding 88 runs from 8.5 overs he bowled as South Africa posted a big total of 399/7. Despite the expensive bowling figures, he got the wickets of Quinton de Kock, stand-in captain Aiden Markram and David Miller.
Topley is currently England's leading wicket-taker in the tournament. He has eight wickets from three games including a four-fer against Bangladesh in England's only win of the tournament.
England are currently placed ninth in the points table, marginally above Afghanistan on the basis of their net run rate (NRR). Barring the match against Bangladesh, England's batting lineup has not been up to the mark. If England team management feels that they have enough bowlers/all-rounders in the squad, they may recall Jason Roy to bolster their top order.
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