Cricket News: Reece Topley causes injury worries for England after twisting an ankle in a fielding drill
Reece Topley is questionable for England's opening T20 World Cup 2022 match against Afghanistan in Perth on Saturday - possibly beyond - due to injury after twisting his ankle on the boundary markers before the team's warm-up game against Pakistan in Brisbane on Monday
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The 28-year-old Topley has taken 17 wickets (28.00) in 16 T20Is in 2022 - more than any other England bowler - cementing his status as a critical seamer in Jos Buttler's new line-up as he can be used in both the powerplay and death bowling.
He has overcome a gruelling series of injuries, including four back stress fractures in five years since his fleeting appearance in England's 2016 T20 World Cup.
However, this was an unusual setback when Topley stepped on a triangular boundary marker while trying to catch a ball during a fielding drill in the run-up to England's otherwise comprehensive six-wicket win over Pakistan at the Gabba.
He did not bowl in the next contest as England alternated eight options during his 19-over fielding. According to an ECB spokesman, he will be examined later this week ahead of Saturday's match against Afghanistan.
Suppose his injury proves more severe than hoped. In that case, England has options in reserve - not least fellow left-arm Tymal Mills, who Topley replaced after suffering a groyne strain during last year's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Richard Gleeson of Lancashire is also among the travelling reserves, while David Willey and Sam Curran are two additional left-arm seamers among the original 15-man squad.
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