(Reuters) – Reece Topley, the fast bowler for England, will no longer be able to participate in the remaining matches of the World Cup due to a fractured left index finger sustained during the team’s 229-run loss to South Africa, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday.
Topley sustained the injury in the first innings and temporarily left the field to receive treatment. Although he resumed bowling and managed to capture 3-88, he did not bat during England’s run chase when they experienced a collapse.
Within England’s squad, the 29-year-old Topley was the most successful bowler in the World Cup thus far, having taken eight wickets across three games.
“Following scans conducted in Mumbai on Saturday after the match at the Wankhede Stadium, the extent of Topley’s injury became apparent. He will return to the UK within the next 24 hours,” stated the ECB.
The ECB further added, “Topley will closely collaborate with the medical teams of both England and Surrey regarding his rehabilitation process.”
Although a replacement for Topley will be announced in due course, coach Matthew Mott confirmed that Jofra Archer, who is on the reserve list while recovering from an elbow injury, will not be brought into the squad.
Mott stated on Sky Sports after the defeat, “Jof is not going to be considered for selection, he is not going to be able to play a part in the end of this campaign.”
England, the defending champions, currently hold a ninth position in the standings with only one victory in four games. Their next match will be against Sri Lanka, the team at the bottom of the standings, on Thursday in Bengaluru.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
