T20 World Cup 2022: Tymal Mills replaces Reece Topley in England's squad

It has been confirmed by the ECB that pacer Tymal Mills has been be added to the England squad as a replacement for left-arm pacer Reece Topley after the latter has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022 due to an injury.

Reece Topley has been impressive with the ball in hand in the last few months and this would be a huge blow to England's chances in this tournament. The 28-year-old was only set to miss the tournament opener against Afghanistan on Saturday, October 22. However, the extent of the injury was serious than expected which eventually ruled him out of the showpiece event.

News we didn't want to bring you.

Reece Topley has been ruled out of the #T20WorldCup

We are all gutted for you and we are all here for you, Toppers ❤️

More here: https://t.co/KdJWsh3VWA pic.twitter.com/gVofwSQnNf

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 19, 2022

Mills has played quite a lot of cricket in Australia

With Topley sidelined, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have included Tymal Mills who is also a seasoned campaigner and has been an effective bowler for England in the past. The onus would now be on Mills to provide vital breakthroughs for the Three Lions as they eye a memorable tournament in Australia.

Another key reason about Tymal Mills' selection into the English squad could be due to the fact that he is well aware of the Australian conditions having played the Big Bash League (BBL) down under for a few years. The 30-year-old has represented the teams like the Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, etc. 

Coming back to Reece Topley, the tall pacer had injured his ankle while fielding prior to England's warm-up fixture against Pakistan at the Gabba on Monday, October 17. Due to the injury, the bowler was in no position to play the warm-up game and was rested for the day. 

Reportedly, the left-arm speedster injured his ankle while fielding at the boundary when he awkwardly landed on the advertising cushions. This is the second major injury concern for the Three Lions after star batter Jonny Bairstow was abruptly ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a horrific accident while playing golf where he ended up with a broken leg.