KARACHI: England faced a major blow as fast bowler Reece Topley has been ruled out of the first T20I against Pakistan due to an ankle niggle. 

According to the sources, Topley has been facing a slight discomfort in his ankle and will not be part of England’s playing XI in the first encounter of the seven-match T20I series scheduled on Tuesday here at National Stadium.

Meanwhile, the official announcement in this regard has still not been made.

The left-arm pacer is a crucial part of England’s lethal bowling attack during the tour to Pakistan and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.

England captain Jos Buttler had already announced his unavailability for the first few matches and is likely to join the action during the Lahore leg of the tour.

It is pertinent to mention here that England will take on Pakistan in seven T20Is from September 20 to October 2 for the first time on the latter’s home soil.  National Stadium, Karachi will host the first four matches of the series, while the remaining matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

England are touring the country for the first time in almost 17 years.

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