Reece Topley fined for smashing chair after first T20I injury

The 30-year-old English left-arm fast-medium bowler Reece Topley had a frustrating outing in the five-match T20I series opener against the hosts West Indies. While he smashed a chair in anger after a fresh injury, he has been fined for his action.

England won the T20I series opener against the hosts West Indies by eight wickets. After West Indies scored 182/9, England chased down the target in 16.5 overs after losing two wickets. 

Reece Topley couldn't complete his over

Reece Topley had bowling figures of 2.4-0-26.0. Just before the rain interrupted the game, Topley was rolling on the pitch after slipping. Although he bowled the next ball just after the restart following the rain interruption, Topley was struggling and ultimately left the ground without completing his over. He didn’t return to bowl again in the game. 

Topley was angry after picking up another injury, and during his return to the pavilion, he picked up a chair and smashed it on the staircase handrail. 

While Topley’s condition is still unknown, he missed out on the second game of the T20I series. 

Reece Topley has been fined 15% of his match fees

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined Topley for his action during the T20I series opener. He has been found guilty of a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct in relation to Article 2.2 which claims "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match." Topley has been fined 15 percent of his match fee. Moreover, he received one demerit point, which was his first demerit point in the last 24 months. With four or more demerit points within 24 months, a player will receive a suspension.  

There will be no more formal hearing as Topley admitted the offence and accepted the punishment. 

Topley’s cricket career has suffered several times due to injuries. During the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, the English pacer was out of the tournament after his left index finger injury. He got the injury in Mumbai during the league stage match against South Africa and hit a chair after leaving the playing ground. However, he wasn't punished for that action. 

During the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, Topley rolled his ankle while stepping on a boundary cushion during a practice match in Brisbane. It resulted in him being ruled out of the tournament.