ENG v AUS 2018: Jason Roy sets his sights on helping England win their first ever World Cup next year

Roy has been magnificent in the ongoing series against Australia.

Jason Roy (Getty)

Jason Roy was going through some poor form leading upto this ODI series against the arch-rivals. One of the best modern-day limited overs opener was seeing the emergence of Jonny Bairstow and Sam Billings and found his spot under slight danger but backing from the captain Eoin Morgan paid off. He now has two magnificent hundreds in the series and believes this is the"best headspace" he has been in. 

But, with runs in this important one-day series done, Roy now has his eyes set on becoming England's key player in the World Cup at home. 

The explosive batsman was recently quoted saying, "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, The records are fantastic, obviously, and it's a nice reward for the hard work we have put in."

Roy said it helps a player when there is a lot of competition around to just focus and perform. The team goal, Roy says, drives everyone. 

"I guess so, You obviously want everyone to do well, each individual in the team. There's no animosity outside the changing room, nothing's changed. We are all very good friends, it's just a case of wanting the best out of your mate. It's pretty simple. Jonny strikes the ball incredibly cleanly, especially at this moment in time, 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 and say 'good shot' and things like that. Random stuff. 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 to be honest."

Roy further gave an insight into how the shift from opening with Alex Hales for so long to now with Jonny Bairstow was. Bairstow presented a very tempting option at the top of the order because of the balance he provides being a wicketkeeper and England took it with both hands. It resulted in Hales being dropped down to no.3, though. 

Roy said, "It's a tough call for the management. Nothing to do with me, Me and Halesy had great chemistry, likewise Jonny and Halesy and myself and Jonny and so forth. The nature of the way we play is beneficial to the team."

Roy is mentally stronger too, after having gone through the disappointment of being left out from the side in a Champions Trophy semi-final. He knows, it has only helped him become a better player. 

"A year ago. We're talking about a year ago now, It is 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. As a kid I did look up to the Champions Trophy and wanted to play well, but I got dropped and that was heartbreaking for me, so going away and putting in the hard work, I know I'm going to get my rewards"

"Let's hope this time next year I'm at the World Cup and I'm in decent form and can win some games for the team. At the end of the day I want to be a part of the team in the World Cup. If I'm not I'm not that's the way it is, it is for the benefit of the team."

(Inputs from ESPNcricinfo)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 23 Jun, 2018

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