England star Roy insists he’s hit form in perfect time for the World Cup after ‘disgusting’ injury
JASON ROY says he is recapturing form in time for the World Cup after the frustration of a “disgusting” injury. And Jos Buttler is oozing so much self-belief after his 50-ball century that he is rested from today’s third one-day international against Pakistan in Bristol. As England rotate players – gun bowlers Jofra Archer and […]
JASON ROY says he is recapturing form in time for the World Cup after the frustration of a “disgusting” injury.
And Jos Buttler is oozing so much self-belief after his 50-ball century that he is rested from today’s third one-day international against Pakistan in Bristol.
As England rotate players – gun bowlers Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid will also be missing – Roy is one man who needs plenty of cricket.
He was forced home early from England’s winter tour of West Indies by a torn hamstring and then suffered the searing pain of a back spasm last month.
After three weeks’ absence, the Surrey opener marked his comeback with 87 in England’s 12-run victory at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, on Saturday.
It was not his most fluent innings but included an astonishing back foot whack for six over extra cover off seamer Faheem Ashraf.
It grabbed on to my sciatic nerve and ran down the back of my left leg. I couldn’t quite straighten my leg.
England international Jason Roy
Roy said: “Okay is probably the right word to describe how I played. I didn’t quite feel myself but it was good to get a score after a few weeks on the sidelines.
“My back now feels way better than it did before. I should have had the injection earlier! The spasm was disgusting.
“It grabbed on to my sciatic nerve and ran down the back of my left leg. I couldn’t quite straighten my leg.
“So it was a bit worrying but absolutely no worries at all now. I’ve had a muscle spasms before but not like that. The medical staff reassured me this sort of issue can resolve itself and more quickly with a jab.
“Before that, I spent six or seven weeks on the sidelines with my small hamstring tear – which was extremely frustrating – so to come back and miss a couple more weeks with my back was very annoying.
“It was special to walk out there on Saturday. The goosebumps were going. It was a really good feeling to be back out in the middle for England.”
Buttler’s hurricane innings – England’s second-fastest white ball century of all time – has convinced the management he can be given another break after missing England’s first two games of the summer.
It also allows Jonny Bairstow the chance to keep wicket in a one-day match.
Roy and Bairstow are one of the most destructive opening pairs in world cricket. While Roy is easing back after injury, Bairstow continues his scintillating form from the IPL.
Roy added: “Jonny smacked it in the IPL, good lad. I was really happy for him. He’s coming into this series and the World Cup in good form. He’s an explosive, powerful player.
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“We’re very happy with where we’re at as a partnership – nice and relaxed and enjoying each other’s company.
“I’m a million miles better as a batsman than a couple of years ago and you could probably see that by my frustration on Saturday when I got out.
“I was absolutely livid with myself because that’s what I’ve changed most in the last couple of years – my 60s and 70s have become hundreds. I was fuming.”