IND vs ENG: Reece Topley Says Record-Breaking Haul Makes Injury Pain Worthwhile

Reece Topley declared the 100-run thrashing of India by England on Thursday at Lord’s to have been “worthwhile” after England’s bowlers recorded their greatest one-day international bowling stats.

The 28-year-old bowler had an amazing 6-24 as England, the 50-over world champions, recovered from their humbling 10-wicket loss at the Oval on Tuesday to tie the three-match series at 1-1 going into Sunday’s decider at Old Trafford.

It Is A Privilege Everytime You Pull The English Shirt On Reece Topley

Topley made his international debut in 2015, although the paceman has missed four years of his career due to ailments, suffering four different stress fractures of his back. 

“It means a lot, it makes it all worthwhile to be honest,” said Topley. 

Don, his father, gained notoriety as a replacement fielder in a 1984 Test match at Lord’s against the West Indies when he held a spectacular catch off a Malcolm Marshall hook but stepped over the rope and let up a six instead. 

Given Reece’s efforts and his determination to maximise his international career, the Topley name will now be recognised for more than just that at the “Home of Cricket.” 

“It is everyone’s dream to play for England,” he said. “I just want to pull the shirt on as many times as I can and play my part. It is a privilege every time. 

“It was a terrific team performance to bounce back from defeat the other day and I’m just happy that I played my part.” 

It’s A Tribute To Reece Topley’s Perseverance: Jos Buttler

Reece Topley’s return was based on maintaining a difficult line and length, beating former assistant coach Paul Collingwood’s 17-year-old record for England in one-day internationals (6-31 versus Bangladesh at Trent Bridge). 

From his position as a wicketkeeper, England captain Jos Buttler was in a good position to evaluate Topley’s bowling. He said: “He’s a really popular member of the squad and I’m thrilled for him. 

“He’s had quite an interesting story. For him to come back from that and to take 6-24 at Lord’s is an incredibly special performance. 

“It’s a tribute to his perseverance and his outlook on life and the game. He’s had really tough experiences, not knowing if he would play again, and that’s given him a real sense of perspective and a real enjoyment when he’s playing. 

“He’s got all the attributes to be a fantastic international bowler and I’m delighted for him to get those results today.” 

We Didn’t Bat Well Enough: Rohit Sharma

At 102-5, England, which had been outscored by 110 runs at the Oval, was in danger of posting another pitiful score before Moeen Ali, who had the game’s best score of 47, had vital partnerships with Liam Livingstone and David Willey. 

“We felt like we were a few short at the halfway stage, but I think the intent we played with as a team is what helped us get up to a score,” said Buttler. 

India captain and opener Rohit Sharma, who was adjudged lbw for a duck to Reece Topley, said: “England had the partnership in the middle with Ali and Willey but I still thought the win was achievable. We just didn’t bat well enough to get there.” 

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