England bowler Reece Topley will miss the T20 World Cup (Picture: Getty)
England have suffered an injury blow ahead of the T20 World Cup with Reece Topley ruled out of the entire tournament.
The left-arm swing bowler rolled his ankle during fielding practice before England’s final warm-up game against Pakistan on Monday.
Scans have revealed significant ligament damage to his left ankle and immediate surgery is required, meaning Topley is set to return to the UK to begin his rehabilitation.
Jos Buttler’s side begin their T20 World Cup campaign on Saturday against Afghanistan but will be without Surrey star Topley, who has 42 caps.
England are yet to confirm who will replace Topley in their World Cup squad but left-arm pace bowlers Tymal Mills and Richard Gleeson are both among the travelling reserves out in Australia.
Topley impressed in England’s recent T20i series victory over Pakistan, taking five wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 7.75.
Last week, the 28-year-old was handed an England incremental contract as reward for his emergence as a key member of the white-ball teams.
Topley injured his ankle during fielding practice (Picture: Getty)
England, who are bidding to win their second T20 World Cup, are also without the injured Jonny Bairstow and Jofra Archer.
After facing Afghanistan in Perth on Saturday, England play Australia, New Zealand and two teams from qualifying as they look to win the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2010.
More to follow…
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England’s World Cup campaign begins on Saturday.