Reece Topley is doubtful for England’s opener due to an ankle injury: After hurting his left ankle, bowler Reece Topley is questionable for England’s Men’s T20 World Cup opener against Afghanistan on Saturday.
During a Monday fielding practice, the 28-year-old injured his ankle after stepping on the boundary sponge.
He traveled in a protective boot from Brisbane to Perth, where the match will be played on Saturday, but England is optimistic the injury is not catastrophic.
Topley, who has been in excellent shape, will be evaluated daily this week.
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Against India in the summer, the left-arm recorded his highest scores for England in both T20 and one-day international cricket (3-22 and an England record 6-24).
Topley, a seamer who participated in all three of England’s previous warm-up matches against Australia, is vying for the starting spot alongside Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Sam Curran, and Chris Jordan.
Tymal Mills, another left-arm speed bowler, is in Australia as a traveling reserve and might be called up if the injury proves significant. Likewise, David Willey could enter the picture if Topley is not well.