‘Outstanding’: Reece Topley breaks all-time England record in ODI triumph over India

England quick Reece Topley has claimed the best ODI bowling at the Home of Cricket to help demolish India’s batting attack in London.

Reece Topley of England celebrates. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

England has bounced back from a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against India to secure a convincing 100-run victory in the second one-day international at Lord’s, with left-arm seamer Reece Topley claiming career-best figures of 6/24.

The 28-year-old broke the all-time England record for best bowling figures in a men’s ODI, previously held for 17 years by former all-rounder and current assistant coach Paul Collingwood.

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After removing both Indian openers cheaply in the Powerplay, Topley cleaned up the tail to help roll the tourists for 146 in 38.5 overs, equalling the three-match series at 1-1.

He also became the first English cricketer to take five wickets in an ODI at Lord’s since 1997, when the great Darren Gough snared 5/44 against Australia.

“It’s an outstanding story, the way he’s gone through the ups and downs, the stress fractures,” former England captain Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports.

“He’s bowled well in white-ball cricket of late and as well in that T20 game at Trent Bridge when everyone else was going around the park.

“It’s his place now and when you get figures like that, with so many big games coming up and England are looking for bowlers with a long list of injuries … if some bowler can stand up and continue to put in performance after performance then you’re almost saying, ‘You can’t leave me out’.”

Reece Topley of England celebrates after dismissing Prasidh Krishna. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Best bowling figures for England in men’s ODIs

6/24 — Reece Topley vs IND, 2022

6/31 — Paul Collingwood vs BAN, 2005

6/45 — Chris Woakes vs AUS, 2011

6/47 — Chris Woakes vs SL, 2014

5/15 — Mark Ealham vs ZIM, 2000

India won the toss and elected to field first in London, with England registering a defendable total of 246 despite nobody in the starting XI reaching 50.

All-rounders Moeen Ali and David Willey combined for a crucial 62-run partnership for the sixth wicket, scoring 47 and 41 respectively.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal claimed 4/47 in an impressive 10-over spell, including the vital wickets of Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

In response, India crumbled to 4/31 in the 12th over, with captain Rohit Sharma and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant both returning to the sheds without troubling the scorers.

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli was removed for 16 after fishing at a Willey delivery outside off stump — an all too familiar mode of dismissal for the 33-year-old.

It extends his unwanted streak of innings in international cricket without a century to 78.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam voiced his support for the Indian superstar, posting to Twitter: “This too shall pass. Stay strong.”

This too shall pass. Stay strong. #ViratKohlipic.twitter.com/ozr7BFFgXt

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) July 14, 2022

Topley made his international debut in 2015, but four years of his career were blighted by injuries, with the paceman suffering four separate stress fractures of his back.

“It means a lot, it makes it all worthwhile to be honest,” he said.

“It is everyone’s dream to play for England. I just want to pull the shirt on as many times as I can and play my part. It is a privilege every time.

“It was a terrific team performance to bounce back from defeat the other day and I’m just happy that I played my part.”

England captain Jos Buttler, well-placed to assess Topley’s bowling from his position as wicketkeeper, said: “He’s a very popular member of the team and I’m delighted for him.

“He’s had quite an interesting story. For him to come back from that and to take 6/24 at Lord’s is an incredibly special performance.

“It’s a tribute to his perseverance and his outlook on life and the game. He’s had really tough experiences, not knowing if he would play again, and that’s given him a real sense of perspective and a real enjoyment when he’s playing.

“He’s got all the attributes to be a fantastic international bowler and I’m delighted for him to get those results today.”

The decisive third ODI between England and India will take place on Sunday at Old Trafford.

“It’s going to be an exciting one, obviously a lot to look forward to,” Sharma said.

“Quick turnaround for us, we need to regroup, understand what we didn’t do well as a team and try and see what we can do better.

“We’ll get there and see the conditions and adapt.”

— with AFP

Originally published as ‘Outstanding’: Reece Topley breaks all-time England record in ODI triumph over India