One-day star Roy ‘a definite option’ for the Ashes – Bayliss

Cricket365
July 8, 2019

Jason Roy is “a definite option” to play against Australia in the Ashes this summer, according to England coach Trevor Bayliss.

Roy, 28, has made 80 ODI appearances for the Three Lions and is a key member of what has become the most feared white-ball batting line-up in world cricket.

However he has yet to play a five-day game, with the selectors suggesting that his skills are more geared towards the two shorter versions of the sport.

However, with England struggling at the top of the order for many years and Alastair Cook’s retirement making things worse, it may be that the Surrey man is given a run-out.

Keaton Jennings has struggled and Roy may partner Rory Burns or bat lower down.

When asked on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek if Roy could open in the Ashes, Bayliss replied: “I think so, whether at the top of the order or at three.

“It is no secret that in Test cricket we are looking for a solid combination at the top of the order since Cook retired last year.

“Roy’s had success at international cricket and that goes a long way to being able to handle the pressure. It’s a definite option we’ve been talking about around the selection table for the last 12 months or so.”

Meanwhile James Anderson will miss Lancashire’s next two Championship matches as he undergoes a fitness programme on an injured leg.

The 36-year-old suffered a low grade calf muscle tear on Tuesday against Durham and faces a race against time to be fit for the opening Ashes clash on August 1.