It is fair to say that if not for his unfortunate injury during the IPL playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Topley’s stock was on the rise and he was on his way to becoming an elite bowler. The 29-year-old will be one of the major threats when teams play against England. He is quick, strong and can swing the ball. In addition to this, he also can hit hard lengths regularly, which can draw the batsman forward and force them to be in two minds – to play the ball or leave it.
Topley has a stunning record against India as he picked up 12 wickets at an average of just 16.42. Who can forget his six-wicket haul against India last year at Lords defending just 247 runs? He picked up wickets with the new ball and then later came back in the middle overs to break the partnership and finished the tail which shows he is a threat in all phases of play.
However, one positive thing for India is they will take on the defending champions England in Lucknow, which is a pitch known not to swing much but can help bowlers who do possess good slower ones. We only have to wait and see after the refurbishing of the pitch, if it starts to swing and seam a bit then it did earlier. If it does, Topley will be a handful on this surface to deal with for Rohit and Co.