Reece Topley feels unwelcome danger during warm-up
games. He stepped on a boundary toblerone before a match against Pakistan at an
empty Gabba on the eve of the previous year’s T20 World Cup, rupturing
ligaments in his left ankle, and was forced to withdraw from the competition.
The fact that he survived England’s understated
victory over Bangladesh on Monday night without suffering any injuries brought
about a feeling of comfort. Additionally, he bowled five overs for figures of 3
for 23, split over two spells separated by a lengthy period of time caused by
severe rain. His first delivery back from the break was an inch-perfect yorker
to Mahedi Hasan.
“I’ve been steering clear of any mishaps and
playing it quite safe – and I’ll continue to do so ahead of the first
game,” Topley said, before England flew to Ahmedabad on Tuesday afternoon.
“Obviously I don’t want any repeat of what was so gutting last year. It
was a tough period to go through.
“I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, because these are
the moments and the events that you dream of being a part of… hopefully I can
play my part this year and make up for lost time, if anything, and make a
contribution to England going all the way again. I’m looking forward to getting
some game time, just as I was anticipating last year, and this time, hopefully,
I can help the team retain the trophy.”
For England, it was a useful run-out after their first
warm-up game, against India, was wiped out entirely by rain. “We got
everything we needed from the game,” Topley said. “What we did out
there was a steady effort, but nothing too taxing, to be honest – so, a good
box ticked to get us ready and raring to go for the opening match.”