T20 World Cup: England's Reece Topley set to be out of tournament with ankle injury

Three days before England's T20 World Cup opener, Topley will be out with an ankle injury.

It is believed that scans taken after Topley rolled his ankle on Monday have shown a lot of damage.

It's a big blow to England's World Cup hopes because of the 28-year-old left-armer.

Organisers are waiting for his replacement to be rubber stamped.

Left-arm bowler Tymal Mills and right-arm seamer Richard Gleeson are England's travel reserves in Australia.

Mills, who hasn't played since August because of a toe injury, is the most likely choice to replace Topley.

Topley was hurt when he stepped on the boundary sponge while fielding.

He considered retiring after having four back stress fractures in five years.

After regaining his place he has become a key player in England's white-ball sides and this year took his best figures for England in both T20 and one-day international cricket.

He was a key part of England's bowling attack, operating effectively with the new ball and during the death overs.

Bairstow suffered a freak leg injury before the tournament, while Jofra Archer is out for a long time.

After a 4-3 series win in Pakistan, buttler's side have had an encouraging build-up to the tournament.

England will play Afghanistan in Perth at 12 noon on Saturday.