ENG vs SL: England Announce Replacement For Reece Topley In ICC World Cup 2023

England, on Monday (October 23), announced the replacement for their left-arm pacer Reece Topley for the remainder of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The fast bowler has been ruled out of the tournament due to a broken finger. He suffered the injury during England’s match against South Africa in Mumbai last week. The in-form pacer ended up suffering a fracture in the index finger of his bowling hand while trying to stop a drive.

His initial reaction made it pretty clear that the injury was serious. Reece Topley did manage to return to action after receiving medical attention before the scans confirmed the fracture. It is the second heartbreaking injury blow in the last year for Reece Topley.

Last year, he missed England’s victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup after suffering an ankle issue in training in the week before the tournament. He has also suffered as many as four stress fractures in his back over five years which compelled him to consider retirement in the past.

Brydon Carse replaces Reece Topley:

With Reece Topley out of the World Cup, England have announced Durham pacer Brydon Carse as his replacement. Carse has played 12 ODIs so far and has picked up 14 wickets. His last ODI appearance came against Ireland last month.

Before that, he had impressed with the ball during the T20I series against New Zealand at home as he picked up four wickets in three games. Welcoming Carse to the World Cup squad, star batter Joe Root hailed him as a brilliant all-round package.

“Brydon is a brilliant all-round package,” Root said on Monday.

“He scores some handy runs, is dynamic in the field and he’s got a unique wicket-taking ability. He’s got that Stokes element to him. He’s a big personality and a great character to have around, so he’s a good addition,” he added.

Brydon Carse will replace Reece Topley in our World Cup squad for the remainder of the tournament.

Welcome, Carsey ? #EnglandCricket | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/DrDzkDbUeU

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 23, 2023

Missing Reece Topley will be a huge blow for struggling England. Their hopes of making it to the semifinal are hanging by a thread after 3 losses in 4 games. Topley is currently England’s leading wicket-taker in the ongoing tournament with 8 wickets in 3 games. England’s next game is against Sri Lanka on Thursday (October 26).

England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.