“Reece Topley has been diagnosed with a partial stress fracture of the lumbar spine”

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England left-arm pace bowler Reece Topley will be out of action for three months after suffering a stress fracture of the back.

Topley reported pain in his back while training for Hampshire and it was later revealed that his injury will see him send a lengthy period of time on the sidelines.

“Reece Topley has been diagnosed with a partial stress fracture of the lumbar spine and will require a significant period of rehabilitation,” an ECB spokesman said. “He will miss the next three months and aim for a return with Hampshire before the end of the season.”

Topley, who has yet to bowl for Hampshire since transferring from Essex ,admitted that he was gutted about the news.

“I was completely devastated to hear the news,” he told Hampshire’s official website. “I just want to play for Hampshire and contribute to their cricket.”

Topley last represented England at the World Twenty20 in India, where he took one wicket in the two matches he played.