Reece Topley returned to the field in the second half of England’s bowling innings against South Africa having spent much of the match on the sidelines after copping a blow to his left index finger during his opening spell.
Topley entered the match shortly after England opted to defend and had Quinton de Kock dismissed on the second ball. He bowled a typically economical opening delivery, conceding 11 runs in his first three overs. On his fourth delivery, he was hit in the hand by a powerful straight drive from Rassie van der Dussen, who tried to catch the ball off his own bowling. He was treated on the field and tried to continue the over, but he left the field after pitching his next pitch.
As Topley left the field, he expressed his frustration at having to leave the field for the second time in a row. On the way, he wiped down his chair before throwing something at the locker room glass. Topley’s reaction, coupled with him appearing to be struggling on the field, added to England’s anxiety.
Buttler’s and England fans’ concerns were allayed somewhat when Topley returned to the field at the 30 over mark with his fingers severely tied. After four overs, he returned to the bowl and made the much-awaited breakthrough. He dismissed Aiden Markram on the last ball of the over while Jonny Bairstow took a difficult catch on the boundary.
Ben Stokes took a catch from David Miller at mid-on and struck again in the next over.
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