England bowler Topley banned from T20 World Cup

England bowler Reece Topley has been ruled out of the Men’s T20 World Cup with an ankle injury three days before his side’s opener on Saturday.

Fellow left Tymal Mills has been called up as a replacement for Topley.

The loss of Topley is a blow to England’s World Cup hopes, given the 28-year-old’s fine form this year.

He was injured when he stepped on the boundary sponge during a court drill at training on Monday.

It is a bitter disappointment for Topley, who has overcome serious setbacks in recent years.

He’s had four back stress fractures in five years, most recently in 2018, which has him considering retirement.

But after regaining his place he became a key player in England’s white ball teams and this year took his best figures for England in both T20 and One Day International cricket – 3-22, and an England record 6-24 – against India. in summer.

He had become a crucial part of England’s bowling attack, operating effectively with the new ball and through the dead.

England also lost striker Jonny Bairstow to a leg injury before the tournament, while fast bowler Jofra Archer is a long-term absentee.

However, Jos Buttler’s side enjoyed encouraging preparation for the tournament after a 4-3 series win in Pakistan and a 2-0 win over hosts and defending champions Australia.

Mills, who hasn’t played since August with a toe injury, was favored over right-arm dressmaker Richard Gleeson, Australia’s other pace bowler as one of the traveling reserves of England.

Lancashire left-arm tailor Luke Wood, who made his England debut against Pakistan in September, will move to join the reserve list.

Topley is not expected to undergo surgery but will be assessed further upon his return to the UK.

England take on Afghanistan in Perth at 12:00 BST on Saturday.