Reece Topley to undergo surgery; could halt his career

England medium-pacer Reece Topley has had persistent troubles with stress fractures. He was a part of the England Lions team that faced India A and Windies A in the tri-series at home. During the final of the series, Topley could bowl just four overs and was out of action. He has now been diagnosed with a stress fracture which has recurred. He now has to undergo a surgery and will not be able to play any cricket this season.

As per reports, the doctors will insert a pin in Topley’s lower back and the treatment will be carried out at Wellington Hospital, in London. He has struggled with injuries since he joined Hampshire in 2015 before which he played for Essex. In the last three domestic seasons, the 24-year-old has played just two County Championship matches for his team. Thus far in the six years of his professional cricketing career, Topley has suffered five such fractures.

He made a comeback into the squad for the Royal London One-Day Cup and played six matches during which he accounted for seven wickets.

Treatment span

The treatment is expected to take a really long time and if things go really well he might be able to return to the cricket field in the 2019 domestic season. However, this certainly puts a real uncertainty on his professional career as his contract with Hampshire ends this season. Based on his condition and the persistent injury troubles it is unlikely that any county would want to place a bet on him just yet.

He first made a name for himself at 17 during the 2011 County Championship. In his first three County games, he picked up 14 wickets which include two five-wicket hauls against Kent and Middlesex. Over the years Essex were careful in managing his workload but the left-arm pacer still remained injury prone.

Topley’s career

The 6 ft 7in tall bowler was always seen as a potential candidate for a spot in the national team and did make his international debut in 2015. To date, Topley has played 10 ODIs and six T20Is with a total of 21 wickets to his name.

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