FORMER Colchester and East Essex cricketer Reece Topley is hoping he will get the chance to help England go one better than last time around - and win the T20 World Cup.

Topley, who started out at Castle Park before establishing himself at Essex, was part of the Three Lions team who were losing finalists when the competition was played in India, in 2016.

England face Bangladesh today (Wednesday) in their second group match in Abu Dhabi - and Surrey seamer Topley is hoping to taste glory with his country.

Topley said: "I was very pleased to receive England recognition again and I just can’t wait to get started.

"I didn’t have it on my radar but I was made aware that if there were any injuries I would potentially be called up.

"Sadly, there was an injury to a player which led to a decision being made, and thankfully I got the call.

"I have had experience playing at the T20 World Cup previously in 2016 and had an amazing time.

"Hopefully I’ll get another opportunity to do it again and it will be even better than last time.

"We finished runners-up last time, but hopefully we’ll win it this time.

"Unfortunately I got injured just before the 2020 season in the UK and spent all my time watching England play and missed a lot of international cricket, so now I’m champing at the bit to get going again.

"I’ve spent a lot of time in London getting ready for this and look forward to making a contribution, in a limited capacity, but a contribution no less."

Topley enjoyed a productive time at Colchester, helping him progress to playing first-class cricket for Essex at the age of 17.

The 27-year-old left armer says he still keeps an eye on the Castle Park side's progress, in the Essex League.

He said: "I play against Essex a fair bit and it’s nice to see some familiar faces, and play against friends too.

"I keep an eye out for where Colchester and East Essex are in the leader board and what players they have."

Topley spent five years at the Royal Hospital School, where his cricketing talent blossomed.

The 6ft 7in left-armer says his school days at the Ipswich-based school were invaluable - and will set him up nicely for what he is experiencing at the T20 World Cup.

He added: "I think my time at the Royal Hospital School has stood me in good stead for life in isolation and bubbles.

"We spend a lot of time in quarantine alone in different countries at present and it does strike a lot of independence similar to what you get at boarding school.

"For me living in a hotel room is very similar to a study at the Royal Hospital School, and it certainly has had its benefits for my sporting career of which I will most certainly be drawing on those experiences in the coming days and months.

"I won’t be leaving the hotel unless it’s to play cricket, so that could last the whole of the World Cup as far as we get to in the competition and then the T10 competition in December – so roughly two months."

For more information about Royal Hospital School visit www.royalhospitalschool.org or call 01473 326 200.