Topley 'Ahead Of Schedule' And Looking Forward To Pre-Season Return

It’s been an up and down 18 months for Hampshire seamer Reece Topley.

After experiencing the highs of an impressive period spent with England last winter and pulling on the Hampshire shirt for the first time back in April, to going through more than one rehabilitation process during 2016 as a result of unfortunate injuries – it really has been a rollercoaster ride.

However, Topley is well ahead of schedule in his recovery from a left shoulder injury sustained over the winter, and with a new season on the horizon, the left-armer is excited about the prospects of him playing a significant role in his side’s 2017 campaign.

“The shoulder is really good – I’m well ahead of schedule compared to where I should be which is good and I’m looking forward to getting out there.

“The injury was initially worse than expected which was surprising and frustrating. I basically tore my cartilage in the shoulder which caused me quite a lot of pain but that’s all behind me now so I’m just looking forward to the next phase after working hard on getting back.”

The recovery process has been aided by Topley’s hard work in the gym, guided by advice from medical specialists and the club’s strength and conditioning team.

Whilst the 23-year-old is still yet to bowl a ball in competitive cricket for Hampshire since signing prior to last season – he suffered a hand fracture in the club’s opening contest of the 2016 campaign – Topley feels he is in good shape in his pre-season preparations.

“I’m where every other bowler is at the minute – just trying to get my action and technique in order for the summer and also increasing my preparations and workload so that’s up to scratch for professional cricket in time for the new season.”

Topley will bowl outdoors for the first time this winter when he travels to Barbados as part of the Hampshire’s pre-season tour, heading out with the team’s other frontline bowlers on 9^th March for a specialist training camp ahead of the arrival of the remainder of the squad on 12^th March.

The tour, supported by Barbados Tourism Authority and Smile Group Travel, is an opportunity for players to train and play in conditions that aim to replicate those during the height of the British summer, ahead of the season’s commencement.

“At the minute I’m gently bowling with the idea that, by the time I get to Barbados in around three weeks’ time, I’ll be able to run in off my full run and bowl decent spells at high quality batsmen.

“I’ve never normally had pre-season as I’ve been playing somewhere but these next few weeks are pivotal in getting myself in good shape for the first game of the season and also stamping down my authority and showing my teammates and coaches that I can add value to the side.

“Barbados is a wonderful place and I can’t wait to play for Hampshire – it’s been a long time coming and I do feel more pressure given that it’s been a year since I last played but that’s something to be embraced and I’m confident that I’m going to enjoy it.”

Less than 12 months ago, Topley was representing England on the world stage, contributing impressively during a 50-over away series against South Africa and helping Eoin Morgan’s men reach a World T20 final in India.

Whilst the paceman still has England ambitions, his focus is very much on performing well for Hampshire in the coming months and with the new additions of George Bailey, Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw adding to the talent within the squad, Topley is excited by what the season could hold both individually and collectively.

“Obviously I’d love to represent England again in the future but that all starts with doing well for Hampshire - I’m just looking after that to be honest and the first phase of that is my return.

“Going from achieving everything you work towards in your career to then going back to square one, it’s a difficult place to be but every setback is a platform for a comeback and I’m looking forward to showing that.

I’m massively excited for this year - I’ve had the pleasure of playing against George, Kyle and Rilee and what they add to this team it’s very exciting. The squad we’ve got is already very talented but those three really could be the icing on the cake.”