Broad objectives for Ipswich’s England bowler Reece Topley in South Africa

Reece Topley begins his England odyssey on Saturday, keen to cement his spot in Eoin Morgan’s squad for March’s World T20 tournament in India.

Ipswich-born Topley hopes to be included in England’s one-day side for their warm-up clash against a South Africa invitational XI, on Saturday.

Ironically, Topley’s first opportunity to impress the selectors will come at the venue where his father, Don, played cricket for six winters, at Grigualand West Cricket Club, in Kimberley.

Then follows five one-day internationals and three T20s, with the squad for the tournament – England will play South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies – being named on February 8.

Hampshire’s Topley, who overcame a stress fracture in his back last year, impressed in England’s 3-0 T20 victory over Pakistan, in UAE, before Christmas.

But he flew out to South Africa last Friday, knowing he has a challenge on his hands with England hero Stuart Broad (pictured below), the world’s best Test bowler, returning to the limited overs picture after time away from the squad.

Don Topley said: “Reece is raring to go and with the right amount of bowling, there’s no reason why he can’t fulfil his objectives for club and country in 2016.

“The inclusion of Stuart Broad may have an impact on Reece and playing in South Africa will be a great test of his character.”

He added: “Reece is living the dream. He knows it will be tough, but most days in professional sport are challenging.”