Just four years ago, Reece Topley's career was under serious threat after the left-arm seamer suffered a fourth stress fracture of the back that forced him to undergo a career-threatening operation.
However, after almost a year out of the game recovering from the surgery, Topley returned to action with Sussex in 2019 and made a successful return, before making the move to Surrey at the end of the season.
Topley is now a regular in England 's white-ball setup and created history against India on Thursday. The 28-year-old picked 6-24 in a stunning 100-run victory, the best ever figures by an Englishman in ODI cricket.
And Topley's father Don, who played for Essex for almost a decade, has revealed his son still hopes to play Test cricket after seemingly putting the worst of his injury problems behind him.
"He still harbours ambitions of playing Test cricket," Don told the Daily Mail. "And I believe England have talked to him about his red-ball aspirations.
"I hesitate to say his injury problems are behind him but I do think his body is maturing. He's been around for a long time but he's only 28 and I think he can have his best years between now and 32 and fulfil his potential as a complete bowler.
"The caveat is that he and England know he still has to be managed. That is the key. The schedule is such that it can be dangerous for bowlers and that will make it harder for him to play Test cricket.
"There were dark days when he was wondering if he wanted to go through the operation, was it all worth it, but it's completely down to him that he came through it and got to where he is now. He had the desire, dedication and a huge heart.
"You must have talent to play international cricket but if you haven't got heart you won't have a career for very long. People in cricket recognise his character and that's why they are happy for him."
