Essex and England seamer Reece Topley has accepted he may have to sit out certain games next season.

The 19-year-old sustained a frustrating lower back injury while on the England Performance Programme in Australia in December, following a packed 18 months, which included the ICC Under-19 World Cup and a full season playing for his county last year.

His efforts were rewarded, the teenager taking the most wickets in the World Cup, before having a successful campaign for Essex where he was the county’s leading wicket-taker in all formats, leading them to third place in Division Two of the LV= County Championship and to the T20 Finals day.

As a result, the 6ft 7ins teenager is currently in rehabilitation and knows that while it isn’t ideal, he may have to make sacrifices next season.

The former Royal Hospital School pupil said: “The start of the season is my goal, in terms of getting back to full fitness.

“I have spoken to the bowling coach and to Paul Grayson and while I am happy to be playing every game, this year I am going to have to be a bit wiser and there will be some games where I maybe don’t have to play and can sit out.”

He added: “It’s frustrating as I am paid to play cricket and I am not paid to have a week off. I feel I am letting people down when I am not playing but I have to be mature.”

Topley’s schedule certainly played a part in his injury and it seems that the problem was always bubbling under the surface.

“I enjoyed my time in Australia but looking back, had I took a step out and taken a rest, I wouldn’t be injured now,” he added.

“I wouldn’t swap my season last year for anything else, but unfortunately it was a risk to take and the injury happened last year.

“Looking ahead, I am still developing and getting quicker and I am always looking at how I can improve.

“As a player I don’t think you ever consider yourself the finished article.”