England’s left-arm pacer Reece Topley has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 in India due to a fracture on his left index finger, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Sunday.
Topley was struck on the finger midway through the opening powerplay of the first innings against South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium and left the field of play for immediate treatment.
He returned with heavy strapping to bowl again for England at the death, but struggled to hold the ball with his broken index finger on Saturday.
“Scans in Mumbai on Saturday, after the match at the Wankhede Stadium, revealed the full extent of the injury. Topley will return to the UK in the next 24 hours,” the ECB said in a statement.
“He will work closely with the England and Surrey medical teams in respect of his rehabilitation,” it added.
The English cricket board are yet to have confirmed their choice of replacement, with an announcement set to come “in due course”.
Earlier, head coach Matthew Mott had played down suggestions that right-arm pacer Jofra Archer could be the bowler to come in, with the 28-year-old currently travelling with the England squad as he continues his injury rehabilitation.
“Jofra is not going to be considered for selection. He’s come out and 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,” Mott told Sky Sports.
Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts and George Scrimshaw who played for England in ODIs during the build-up to the tournament and are likely to be in contention for selection.
Meanwhile, Rehan Ahmed could be in contention if England decide to go for a spin replacement. On the other hand, Jason Roy and Ben Duckett are the likeliest contenders should the England selectors instead decide to call up an extra batter.
The Jos Buttler led England, are currently struggling in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 and need a huge finish if they are to recover from three defeats in their opening four matches.
