ODI World Cup 2023: Reece Topley suffers finger injury during South Africa clash

England’s ace pacer Reece Topley suffered a finger injury during the side’s ongoing clash against South Africa in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on Saturday, October 21. Notably, it was on the fourth ball of the seventh over that Topley was hit by a ball and cut his finger, while diving to stop Rassie van der Dussen's full-blooded drive back down the ground. Before the ball reached the boundary, it flicked the pacer's fingertip close to the nail.

He did bowl one more ball, but gave away a four again, indicating that his finger was not in good shape. However, Joe Root completed the final delivery of Topley’s over when the fast bowler left the pitch for treatment. Speaking about the match, England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to field first. Quinton de Kock looked firm as he hit a boundary off the opening ball of the match.

Topley has experienced Back stress fracture 5 times,yes 5 times in his careers,Topley had a surgery in 2019 in which metal screws were inserted in his vertebrae to ensure he plays cricket in future,Gutted for Topley after knowing he injured himself again today, pic.twitter.com/0URrZ7Yiy5

— cricket druggie (@druggiecricket) October 21, 2023

However, he missed the opportunity to play another remarkable knock in the ongoing competition as he was dismissed by Topley off the second ball of the game. The South Africa opener attempted another powerful drive through the off side, but it went off the outside edge and was easily caught by wicketkeeper Buttler. The bat seemed to touch the ground at first and the umpire ruled in the batter’s favor. However, England requested a review, and the replay revealed a space between the bat and the ground at the moment the ball crossed the bat and the decision had to be overturned.  

England playing under pressure after suffering a shock upset against Afghanistan

For the unversed, England suffered a shocking defeat against Afghanistan in their previous game of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 game, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, in Delhi. After deciding to bowl first, England restricted Afghanistan to 284 in 49.5 overs with Adil Rashid claiming a three-wicket haul. Afghanistan bowlers ran riot from the beginning of the second innings as England were limited to 215 in just 40.3 overs.