England will add Tymal Mills to their T20 World Cup roster pending ICC authorization after Reece Topley was forced to withdraw from the competition due to an ankle injury. Topley will take a flight back to his native England to get surgery on his ankle.
After standing on a boundary cushion during a fielding exercise before their last exhibition game against Pakistan in Brisbane the day before, Topley was said to have “rolled his ankle”. Prior to England’s tournament opener against Afghanistan on Sunday in Perth, the prognosis was originally positive, but the injury is worse than anticipated.
Due to his prior tournament experience, Mills, one of the traveling reserves and a fast bowler reserve, certainly beat Richard Gleeson to the call-up. In the four games he played at the Men’s T20 World Cup last year in the UAE, he had a strong showing, taking seven wickets for 15.42 and an economy rate of 8.00. A thigh injury forced him to withdraw from the competition, and Topley was unexpectedly chosen to fill his spot in the 15-man team.
Mills have BBL experience
He has also had prior Big Bash League appearances with the Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, and Perth Scorchers, giving him a wealth of expertise in Australian conditions. With his pace and acumen, especially at the end of a game, and after doing an admirable job in the role in the previous T20 World Cup, he would be a handy alternative for skipper Jos Buttler if chosen.
Nevertheless, Mills hasn’t played any cricket since August 10 because of a right toe injury that derailed his 2022 summer. Mills underwent surgery for the ailment on August 10. His 13th and last T20I appearance came in July at Edgbaston, when he took 1 for 35 from three overs against India. Following his debut in the Hundred for Southern Brave versus Birmingham Phoenix, it was decided to start operations in the middle of August after trying to give it time to heal.
Before joining the team in Australia, Mills spent his seven-match tour of Pakistan practicing at home. In advance of the competition, he has so far participated completely in all net sessions. Thursday marks England’s following training session.
Coincidence
In the previous T20 World Cup, Tymal Mills was injured and Reece Topley replaced him.
