Cricket World Cup: England call up Brydon Carse after Reece Topley ruled out with broken finger
England have been given permission to call up Brydon Carse as a replacement for the injured Reece Topley at the Cricket World Cup.
Topley’s long-running injury curse struck again in Saturday’s record defeat to South Africa in Mumbai, with the in-form left-arm seamer breaking the index finger of his bowling hand in an attempt to block a drive.
The 29-year-old’s initial anguished reaction gave a heavy hint that he was in trouble and although he bravely returned to the attack with his fingers taped up, follow-up scans confirmed the Surrey seamer had suffered a fracture.
England, who are embattled after three heavy defeats in their first four matches, have now been cleared to bring in a replacement, with Durham right-armer Carse the player called up as another pace option.
“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Brydon Carse as Reece Topley’s replacement in the England squad,” an ICC statement said.
“Carse, who has played 12 ODIs, was named as a replacement as Topley was ruled out of the tournament on Saturday after breaking his left index finger during England’s match against South Africa.
“The replacement of a player requires the approval of the event technical committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad.”
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Brydon Carse taking the key wicket of Daryl Mitchell during England’s home ODI series against New Zealand ahead of the Cricket World Cup
Carse made his ODI debut for England in a nine-wicket win at home against Pakistan in 2021 and has since taken 14 wickets at an average of 33.92 in 12 appearances.
It remains to be seen whether the 28-year-old will be in action straight away on Thursday when England face Sri Lanka in a must-win match in Bangalore.
Announcing Topley’s departure from the campaign, the England and Wales Cricket Board said: “Scans in Mumbai on Saturday, after the match at the Wankhede Stadium, revealed the full extent of the injury. Topley will return to Britain within the next 24 hours.
“He will work closely with the England and Surrey medical teams regarding his rehabilitation. A replacement will be announced in due course.”
What’s next?
England next take on Sri Lanka in Bangalore on Thursday in a must-win match for both sides, with coverage to follow live on Sky Sports Cricket from 9:00 am (first ball at 9:30 am). Watch every match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 live on Sky Sports. You can stream the tournament NOW.