Reece so keen to stay in Top form for Eoin
REECE Topley says he’s relishing his second chance to play for England.
The big seam bowler has been plagued by injuries since making his debut for the Three Lions way back in 2015.
He was just 21 then but has managed only 20 international appearances. He came back from three years off to play a blinder in the second T20 against the West Indies.
He looks certain to play again tonight and should keep his place ahead of Saqib Mahmood who was smashed for 45 off his four overs.
Topley hopes he can stay fit and be part of the England side for this series and the T20 World Cup later this year.
The Surrey leftarmer said: “I’ve probably had it slightly differently than other people that play international cricket, in terms of the journey that I’ve had.
“I think my perspective is quite unique and last night, I just embraced all the emotion after the game, and all the messages that came through.
“I embraced it all, but then I’m very good at parking it.
“This morning, it’s a new day and it’s all about recovering and focusing on the third T20.
“I don’t really get too caught up in it. I’m lucky to be playing and I really enjoyed it at the end of the day.
Almost having this second opportunity just makes me value it all a lot more.”
Topley can be an asset to skipper Eoin Morgan because he’s just happy to be on the field.
He said: “Even when I’ve been injured so much, you’d almost bite someone’s hand off to play in a T20 and bowl four overs for 40-something.
“It’s almost like, at least I’m out there. So then those bad days it’s like, it won’t be the last bad day I have.
“It’s not like I haven’t got this competitive instinct, it’s just that I’m very realistic about things now, and very level-headed.
“That has boded well for me since coming back, because those pressure scenarios, I just embrace them.
“I almost feel like it’s normal to be nervous and it’s exciting because it’s a game on the line for your country.”