Father’s pride in Topley comeback
Don Topley never doubted his son Reece would come through the dark times that once led to him effectively quitting cricket before returning as a record-breaking england bowler at lord’s. Former essex seamer Don watched with pride along with his wife Julia as Reece produced the best figures, six for 24, in the history of one-day internationals at the home of cricket in england’s 50-overs series leveller against India on Thursday. Then Topley Snr talked about the long and hard road back from the point where, four years ago, Reece walked away from his contract at Hampshire desolate at a succession of stress fractures of his back that led to careerthreatening surgery.
‘We are so proud of him, not only because of his cricket but as a character as well because he couldn’t have done all his rehabilitation without serious bouncebackability,’ Don told Sportsmail.
‘I don’t want to be flippant but I’d happily have someone like him in the trenches with me.’ Don, now a BBC county commentator after 23 years as a master at the Royal Hospital School in Suffolk, continued: ‘I always had the answers for him when it came to cricket but when his injury problems were at their most severe I just didn’t have any answer. Then he walked away from Hampshire knowing he would turn down all contract offers and would only come back when he was right and ready on his terms. We were just there to support him.’ now, after consistent performances for both Surrey and now england, coupled with consistent fitness, Don believes Reece could yet break into the Test team.
‘He still harbours those ambitions and I believe england have talked to him about it. I hesitate to say his injury problems are behind him but I do think his body is maturing. He’s been around for a long time but he’s only 28 and I think he can have his best years between now and 32 and fulfil his potential as a complete bowler.’ At the very least Reece (left) now looks assured of a fruitful time in white-ball cricket. ‘There were dark days when he was wondering if he wanted to go through the operation,’ added Don. ‘you must have talent to play international cricket but if you haven’t got heart you won’t have a career for very long. people in cricket recognise his character and that’s why they are happy for him.’