ICC World Cup 2023: Reece Topley ruled out with broken finger

England have suffered a huge blow mid-tournament as fast bowler Reece Topley has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup due to a fractured finger. Topley fractured his left index finger during England’s defeat to South Africa on Saturday after being hit on the follow-through by a thumping straight drive from Rassie van der Dussen. Topley went off the field for a while, returned and bowled multiple overs but scans have confirmed a fractured finger for the left-armer. 

“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 an official statement.

“He will work closely with the England and Surrey medical teams in respect of his rehabilitation.”

The ECB have confirmed that a replacement will be named in ‘due course’. Jofra Archer is currently with the England squad in India but head coach Matthew Mott confirmed on Saturday that Archer will not be considered as a replacement, and the 28-year-old is in India only as a part of his rehabilitation.

Topley’s injury is a body blow for England. Across the Three Lions’ first four games, the 29-year-old was the highest wicket-taker, having taken 8 wickets at an average of 22.87. It is also a major setback for the speedster, who missed the T20 World Cup in Australia last year with an ankle injury.