Time away from cricket due to repeated injuries was made “meaningful” by his incredible effort in England’s 100-run drubbing. India In the second ODI, left-arm fast bowler Reece Topley said.
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The 28-year-old posted 6/24 as world champions England, with a modest defense of 246, came back from their embarrassing 10-wicket loss at the Oval to level the three-match series 1-1 on Thursday.
“It means a lot, it makes it worthwhile to be honest,” Topley said in a post-match presentation. With his performance at Lord’s, he improved on former England captain Paul Collingwood’s 17-year-old record (6/31) against Bangladesh.
With the series now leveled 1-1, the two teams will meet again in the third and final ODI at Old Trafford on Sunday. “It was a great performance by the team… just happy that it was great,” he said. It (today) means a lot. Of course everyone dreams of playing for England… It’s a big game over the weekend, try and finish the series. Hopefully, we will do that, and whatever happens next,” Topley said.
Topley has represented England in only 17 ODIs since making his debut in 2015, and a career hampered by back injuries meant he had to miss several games for his country. But he is determined to make the most of his comeback.
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It is everyone’s dream to play for England. I just want to pull on the shirt as many times as I can and play my part. It is a privilege every time,” he said.
England captain Jos Buttler, who admitted that England did not bat well once again, praised Topley’s never-losing attitude.
“He’s got a pretty interesting story. It’s an incredibly special performance for him to come back from it and take 6/24 at Lord’s,” Butler said.
“It’s a tribute to his perseverance and his approach to life and the game. He’s had really tough experiences, not knowing if he’ll play again, and it gives him a real perspective and real joy when he plays.” It is happening,” he said.
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