Reece Topley ruled out of the remainder of T20Is against West Indies due to knee injury
England left-arm pacer Reece Topley has been hit with yet another injury crisis as he is officially ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against the West Indies. The bowler had jarred his knee during his run-up in the series opener in Barbados, and had to walk off the field midway through his over.
He was replaced by Jofra Archer for the second T20I, and was doubtful for the remainder of the series as well. However, his absence for the latter half of the series was confirmed after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement.
"We're all with you, Toppers. Reece Topley has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against West Indies through injury, and is to fly home from St Lucia," the statement read.
Jos Buttler and Co. have already amassed an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series as Saqib Mahmood starred in the third contest in St. Lucia.
The extent of Topley's injury is yet to be disclosed. The severity will decide his participation in the India tour in early 2025 and the ensuing Champions Trophy. He has a window to recover as he did not find a suitor during the Big Bash League (BBL) draft ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Reece Topley's recent injury record is tragic, to say the least. The left-arm pacer was ruled out of the 2022 T20 World Cup after slipping on a Toblerone boundary sponge, which led to a twisted ankle. He suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) opening match in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Furthermore, his 2023 ODI World Cup campaign was also cut short after a finger injury in Mumbai against South Africa.
Reece Topley was handed a 15 percent fine for smashing a chair following his injury
The England pacer was left aghast with his latest injury, and vented his frustration by smashing a chair on the staircase handrail on the way to the dressing room after getting off the field. The impulse act led to a 15 percent fine by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and also a demerit point being added to Topley's record.
He had reacted in a similar way after his injury in the 2023 ODI World Cup, but was not reprimanded on that occasion.
The fourth T20I between England and the West Indies is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 16, in St. Lucia.