Broken finger likely to end Reece Topley's World Cup campaign

Reece Topley has been England's best bowler in the tournament. He has picked up eight wickets at 22.87, and on Saturday (October 21), he finished with 3 for 88 against South Africa, who went on to post 399 for 7. 

Topley walked off the field with one ball remaining in his fourth over after a ferocious hit down the ground hit Topley's index finger on its way to the fence. Topley went off the field immediately for some treatment and returned later in the innings to add the wickets of Aidem Markram and David Miller to his tally after dismissing Quinton de Kock off the second ball of the innings.

England head coach Matthew Mott says that the early diagnosis indicates that it is indeed a crack on the finger. "I thought Reece Topley going back out to bowl with a broken finger showed great spirit," Mott told Sky Sports.

"We're still waiting on that, but it's very much looking like it's a crack. Certainly, that's the early diagnosis, but we'll find out properly with X-rays," he further added when quizzed about Toplpey's participation in the tournament.

Topley has been unfortunate with injuries in the past as well. Most recently, he tripped over the boundary cushion a day before the T20 World Cup in Australia last year and was ruled out of England's title-winning campaign.

Mott has, however, made one thing clear: Jofra Archer, the only travelling reserve for England, will not take any part in the World Cup. "Jof is actually not going to be considered for selection," Mott confirmed. 

"He's come out, 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."

As things stand, Brydon Carse could be a potential replacement for Topley. However, with no rule that the replacement has to be like-for-like, England can look at other areas as well to balance their squad.

Defending champions England have lost three of their World Cup matches so far, and their campaign currently hangs in the balance. They will look to return to winning ways against Sri Lanka, who they play on Thursday (October 26) in Bengaluru.