JULY 2015 - Reece Topley: My first...

“I’m a bit of a yes man"

Tour

I went to Sri Lanka with Royal Hospital School when I was around 14, which was great. Sri Lanka is such a stunning place all the time. It’s a fantastic place to go, especially for your first tour.

Hero

It has to be Pakistan’s Wasim Akram. With us both being left-armers, I looked up to him a lot growing up.

Hundred

It was in a club game for Colchester 2^nd XI at Copford. They have a huge oak tree next to the square which I remember having to dodge. I got 105 in a partnership of 260 with our overseas player. I’ve not scored many since.

First telling off from a coach

I don’t really get told off; I’m always very compliant with coaches. I’m a bit of a yes man!

Recognised

I’m recognised quite a bit because of my height, especially walking around Chelmsford, you hear people say, “oh, he’s that cricketer”, but the first time was probably in Ipswich at a noodle restaurant before an Ipswich Town game. I was 17 at the time and heard someone muttering something about me to their friend.

Time asked for an autograph

I can’t remember exactly but I think it was when I made my Essex 2^nd XI debut, it’s amazing to see how passionate some of the fans are, even at 2^nd XI games.

Cried over cricket

I’ve never cried because of cricket! But I have been emotional when certain players have retired. I remember it happening with Brian Lara, and again with Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

In front of a big crowd

It would have been my T20 debut for Essex against Kent at Chelmsford [in 2012]. I know I was really nervous but I don’t remember much, I just let everything happen around me. The noise, the match situation, it’s all a blur now.

Interview by Chris Smith