Ipswich-born pace bowler Reece Topley will not join England’s Pace Programme in South Africa this month, because he requires a shoulder operation.

The 22-year-old former Royal Hospital School pupil, was dogged by hand and back injuries last season, which saw him miss almost all of his first campaign with Hampshire.

The former Essex man has continued to be troubled by a problem in his left shoulder and will undergo surgery this week.

Hampshire’s Director of Cricket Giles White said: “Reece is a determined character and although it is disappointing news for him, we’re very hopeful that he’ll be fit and raring to go in time for the new season.”