Roy: Probably my favourite ODI innings

England batsman Jason Roy rates the century he scored in the second ODI against Australia in Cardiff on Saturday as “probably my favourite innings” in his career so far.

Roy struck his fifth ton in international cricket in his 60th game in the 50-over format for England as the hosts beat the Aussies by 38 runs to go 2-0 up in the five-match series.

The South Africa-born Roy hit 120 as England posted 342/8, their highest ever ODI total against the Aussies, before bowling the tourists out for 304.

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Roy struck 180 against Australia in Melbourne earlier this year and 162 versus Sri Lanka at The Oval in June 2016 but this one gave the right-hander more satisfaction because he paced his innings well and didn’t go for broke from the start.

Speaking after the game, Roy said: “I had a long discussion with Thorpey (Graham Thorpe, England’s batting coach) after I got out and just said it was probably my favourite innings as far as how my tempo was throughout the innings.

“Just the way I knuckled down early, it was quite difficult and I went through some difficult patches but then came out the other side.

“Obviously I wanted to start expanding my game but unfortunately I got out. But I was still happy nonetheless.”

Roy has had a bit of a lean run in ODIs since that 180 in Melbourne.

In 10 matches before Saturday, his best was 49 – twice – and he had scored two ducks, including one in the first game in the current Australia series.

The Surrey batsman added: “It was a big aim for me to come after a long winter and to start well on home soil.

“Obviously we had the hiccup against Scotland and then the first game I was a bit panicky, a bit wary, of where my game’s at, but I put in a lot of hard work over the past few days and got a few rewards.”

England can clinch the series if the win the third game of the series at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.