Pacer Reece Topley in doubt for England’s T20 World Cup opener against Afghanistan

Just before England’s warm-up match against Pakistan on Monday, reports broke about a possible injury scare in the England team as pacer Reece Topley suffered an injury in his left ankle during a catching drill in Brisbane. Even though the team management announced that the speedster will be assessed throughout the week before taking a decision, it is now very likely that the 28-year-old will miss England’s T20 World Cup opener against Afghanistan on October 22.

Topley was very much Jos Buttler’s go-to bowler in the death overs. The pacer also has the ability to fetch wickets with the new ball. Building to the 2022 T20 World Cup, the left-arm seamer picked up 17 wickets from 16 T20Is in 2022 and also bowled at an impressive rate of 7.8. Thus, the team will indeed miss his services in case he misses out.

With Sam Curran and David Willey already being part of the 15-member squad, England won’t be looking to put Topley at risk so early into the tournament. He is likely to make his return on October 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground against the second qualifier of group B.

Challenging but it's just a role you've to enjoy: Sam Curran on his promotion in the batting order

After missing out on the T20 World Cup last year, Sam Curran is finally back in the England squad and enjoying his new role of batting at number six. In a star-studded team, the 24-year-old will have the responsibility of finishing the games in Australia and so far, he hasn’t got enough opportunities. However, against Pakistan, he was at his absolute best when he smashed 33 off 14 deliveries to help England beat Pakistan by 6 wickets.

Speaking about his new role in the England set-up, the youngster spoke about the challenges and how others are helping him to get into the groove.

“It's very challenging but it's just a role you've got to enjoy. Guys like Moeen (Ali), (Liam) Livingstone, Harry Brook are experienced in that middle-over phase so they help me through it. There will be some days where it doesn't work, some days where it does,” said the cricketer.