REECE'S BACK IN THE SWING – WITH A NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Richard Edwards meets the bowler who has rediscovered his love for the game after very nearly quitting

- Richard Edwards

England’s comeback kid Reece Topley, considered walking away from the sport completely after falling out of love with the game at Hampshire – and credits a holiday in Australia for restoring his faith in cricket.

Topley signed for Surrey back in October, almost a year after walking away from Hampshire following three fraught years with the South Coast club.

At the time it looked in danger of being a final hurrah for a bowler who had seemed destined for a lengthy international career after breaking into the Essex side while still at school.

After the painful lessons he has learnt since, Topley knows better than most the curve balls that cricket can throw you. He also has an appreciation of the need for contemplation – something that isn’t always possible during the cut and thrust of an average county season.

So in a year like no other, what better time for him to reflect on a journey that has taken him back into the England fold after almost giving up on the game entirely.