Reece Topley returned to the field with a heavily strapped left index finger after injuring his hand in the early stages of England’s match against South Africa. Here’s why he was allowed to bowl with the strapping in place.
Topley was hit while trying to block Rassie van der Dussen’s straight drive in the seventh over of the game. He received treatment on the field and attempted to continue his bowling, but left the field without completing an over. After further treatment, he returned to the field for the final part of the inning with his fingers tightly bound.
It is not uncommon for fielders to have tape wrapped around their hands to protect themselves from injury or to avoid aggravating an existing injury, but when it comes to bowlers wearing protectors on carries, ICC guidelines are more stringent. In general, bowlers are not allowed to play with tape or coverings on their hands, fingers, or wrists.
Similarly, Starc suffered another injury to his bowling hand during last year’s Boxing Day Test against South Africa. In the third Test, there was a suspicion of a bowling injury, and a similar suspicion existed for Cameron Green, who had bruised his bowling hand while batting. Moeen Ali also had to bowl in the 2023 Ashes with a blister on his finger, but was not allowed to put a band-aid on it.
Although it is unusual for a bowler to bowl with his hands tied, this is not against any law or regulation and is left to the discretion of the umpire. Topley’s injury during the match likely contributed to management’s leniency. If he had played in the match with the strap on, he would have had to remove it to bowl, but since the strap was being used to treat an injury sustained during the match, the umpire allowed me to keep the strap on.
England still lost 399-7 thanks to Heinrich Claassen’s brilliant 100th goal. Best record for men aged 50 and over against England in the World Cup.
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