Reece Topley has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup with an ankle injury just three days before England begin their tournament.
The 28-year-old rolled his left ankle after standing on a boundary advertisement cushion during some catching drills ahead of England's six-wicket warm-up win over Pakistan in Brisbane. The England and Wales Cricket Board are yet to confirm his injury but the PA news agency understands scans have shown significant ligament damage and his tournament is over.
England, who start their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday, are also without the injured Jonny Bairstow and Jofra Archer.
Any change to the 15-strong squads must be ratified by the International Cricket Council but England have two pace bowlers in their three travelling reserves in Tymal Mills and Richard Gleeson.
Topley, who plays domestically for Surrey, impressed in England’s recent T20I series victory over Pakistan taking five wickets during four matches. England will now have to re-think their line-up ahead of Saturday's opener with Chris Jordan looking most likely to fill his position.
Jordan has taken 58 wickets in 46 T20 appearances for England, but the fast bowler is returning after an injury to his middle finger ruled him out of The Hundred series this summer.
It is a further injury blow for Topley who has previously had problems with stress fractures in his back and had to fight for his place in England's T20 World Cup squad.
His injury nightmare opens the door for Mills, another left-armer who bowls quicker than Topley, who seems likely to be drafted in by England once the ICC have authorised the change.
England, who won the One Day World Cup in 2019, are bidding to unify cricket's two most coveted white-ball trophies at the T20 World Cup.
