England’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy hopes have been hit with a blow with express fast-bowler Tymal Mills ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
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Mills pulled up injured midway through his second over in England’s game against Sri Lanka on Monday. After undergoing scans on Tuesday, it was confirmed he had suffered a right thigh muscle strain, which will require a minimum of three weeks to rehabilitate.
The world No.1s have had 27-year-old quick Reece Topley – with the team as a travelling reserve – approved as a replacement in their 15-man squad by the ICC Event Technical Committee.
Mills’ injury is a significant setback in England’s campaign. Known for his serious pace and expertise at the death, Mills has been England’s equal top wicket-taker at the tournament, with seven at an average of 15.42 and an economy of eight.
The injury further tests their pace bowling depth with the 2016 runners-up already without the services of star fast bowler Jofra Archer.
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Mills, who had not been a part of England’s national set-up in four years before the tournament, was called up for the showpiece event after impressing at the domestic level.
His replacement, Topley, has played 13 ODIs and six T20Is to date, taking 25 international wickets in total.
He will be hoping to make his tournament debut in England’s final Super 12 game against South Africa on Saturday, with Eoin Morgan’s team virtually locked in for the semi-finals.
