‘Ditching studies for cricket is a smart move’ (From Gazette)

‘Ditching studies for cricket is a smart move’

12:39pm Thursday 22nd September 2011 in Essex County Cricket Club news

REECE Topley feels his decision to leave full-time education was the right one as he pursues his blossoming cricket career with Essex and England.

The 17-year-old fast bowler has signed a new two-year contract with Essex.

It has meant Topley has left his studies after completing his AS levels at the Royal Hospital School in Hol-brook, but he feels it is a move that will benefit his dreams of playing at the highest level.

He said: “I’m really happy with Essex and even though some other counties had tried to get in touch, I said Essex is where I wanted to be.

“I’ve taken massive steps forward in my career this year and I’m really happy with the success I’ve had.

“My goal at the beginning of the year was only to get one first-class game, but I got two five-fors, two four-fors and managed to play some one-day cricket.

“I must admit, it was a difficult decision to leave school, but I know what I want and I want to be successful as a cricketer.

“What I didn’t want to happen was to have 50 per cent of my focus on cricket and 50 on school work and to mess up in both.”

Topley is now setting his sights on playing for England’s under-19 side this winter as they continue preparations for the ICC Under-19s World Cup in Australia next year.

Meanwhile, one of Topley’s England under-19 and Colchester team-mates, Ben Foakes, has also put pen to paper on a deal with Essex.

The 18-year-old has signed a professional contract which will keep him at the Ford County Ground until 2013.

Foakes said: “I will now look to push on over the winter months with under-19 tours to South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia, which I feel will help develop me as a player and allow me to fight to get in the first team set up next season.”