Suffolk’s Reece Topley could face a prolonged spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured hand during his debut for Hampshire on Sunday.

The 22-year-old former Royal Hospital School pupil was hit on the right hand from a bouncer by Warwickshire’s Ireland international Boyd Rankin at Southampton.

Tailender Topley, who recently featured for England in the T20 World Cup, battled on manfully, scoring 15 runs to help Hampshire, who had lost six wickets in the first session.

Topley departed for a first-class best of 15, beating his previous high of 12, when he was comprehensively bowled by England bowler Chris Woakes.

James Tomlinson also scored 15 as the duo helped Ryan McLaren rescue the innings somewhat with a knock of 84 not out, leaving the hosts on 198 for eight at close of play.

While Topley was set to bowl today, he also revealed he could be set for some time in the treatment room.

“Unfortunately I sustained a fracture in a few places beneath the knuckle,” revealed Topley.

“It was a knock back early in my innings, I thought I played the shot quite well and I kept going with a bit of discomfort.”

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White heaped praise on Topley after Sunday’s first day, the youngster performing well in his maiden innings for the Division One side.

“It was a good effort from Reece Topley, on debut, and James Tomlinson,” White said.

“They are not renowned for their batting but they hung on in there and Ryan would not have got the score he did had it not been for their support.”

For Topley, the innings, whilst gutsy, resulted in mixed feelings for the former Essex man.

“We did well in the lower order and rescued the innings,” added Topley.

“It is always a risk when you go into bat and I felt good before the game and was ready to go after a long winter.

“The worse case scenario will see me have to have a wire put in my hand.

“The best case scenario will be to leave it and let it heal.”