Left-arm pacer Reece Topley is set for a return to professional cricket, after signing up with Sussex.

Topley, 25, who has played 10 one-day internationals and six T20 internationals for England, struggled for game time with Hampshire last season.

Topley underwent surgery on his back in July 2018, after suffering his fifth stress fracture. He was subsequently released by Hampshire at the end of the 2018 season.

Speaking on his signing, Topley said: “I’ve had to take a step back with my game for a while, so to be back in a place where I can contribute for Sussex is really exciting”.

Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie welcomed Topley’s signing, stressing on the benefit of having an extra bowler at his disposal. “We’ve had our fair share of guys unavailable for various reasons this season, so to have another bowling option for the rest of the season is great news,” he said.

Topley joins the ranks of England quicks in the Sussex squad, with Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan also representing the county in both the T20 Blast and the County Championship. The move will increase his hopes of a return to the England side in the future, after his stint with England Lions was cut short last year by injury.

Topley’s contract is due to run from July 19 until the end of September.