England on the hunt for World Cup confidence

Cricket365
June 23, 2018

Opener Jason Roy says that breaking records and performing well this season will help build confidence leading into the World Cup in 2019.

Roy has been part of an England team that have shredded Australia in the ODI series to date going 4-0 up with one match to play and he hopes that the team can fire at the showpiece.

“Our main aim is to just make sure that these are just stepping stones to the bigger picture, being the World Cup,” said the England opener ahead of the final ODI on Sunday, 24 June. “It’s great breaking all the records and stuff but at the end of the day, the aim is to have this confidence come the World Cup so we can get some good wins under our belts.”

Having come back into the team after getting the axe for the Champions Trophy semi-final in 2017 Roy has been in imperious form hitting three hundreds and three fifties at an average of 55.06.

Cup

“[It’s] probably the best head space I’ve been in, knowing my role in the team, knowing my training and knowing my technique and trusting myself,” he said.

“[I haven’t changed anything but] I just kind of force myself to be a bit more comfortable at the crease, a bit more organised. Trying to pace an innings and recognise we’ve got a lot of time to bat.

“It’s a relatively simple game. You work hard, you train hard and you get some good results and I’m happy that the results have come my way now.”

Roy has been partnered with Jonny Bairstow for this series a combination that has been fruitful for England.

“Jonny strikes the ball incredibly cleanly,” said Roy, hailing his team-mate, “and he just seems to be in an amazing purple patch which is great for him and the team.

“We’re getting off to such good starts and when you’re chasing totals like 310 it makes it easier for the guys coming in. We kind of spur each other on.

“We know our games pretty well and we know each other’s games pretty well. If he doesn’t want to take risks against one bowler I might want to take risks against them. We’re working well together as a pair.”