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England revealed their 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 17. While most of the provisional squad remained unchanged from the one that participated in the recent three-game ODI series against New Zealand, one significant alteration was made. Veteran opening batter Jason Roy, who missed the series due to a back spasm, was left out of the squad.
Roy’s absence was primarily attributed to his back injury, which had hindered his practice and preparation for the World Cup. Additionally, Dawid Malan‘s outstanding performance in the top order during the New Zealand series, leading to him being named Player of the Series, played a crucial role in Roy’s omission.
Consequently, this provided an opportunity for 24-year-old Harry Brook, who had initially missed selection for the series against the Blackcaps but was later brought in as cover. Brook’s inclusion underscored England’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents and bolstering their top-order batting lineup for the upcoming World Cup.
Jason Roy’s absence from global tournaments
Roy’s absence from the England squad for the upcmoing mega event is not the first instance of the seasoned opening batter missing out on participation in a global tournament. In a previous notable occurrence, the 33-year-old was also surpsingly absent from the England T20 team that clinched the World Cup in 2022.
Jason Roy’s key role in England’s ODI World Cup 2019 campaign
Roy emerged as a pivotal figure for England during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, making significant contributions as an opener. Throughout the tournament, the Durban-born cricketer showcased his batting skill by amassing an impressive total of 443 runs in 8 fixtures, boasting an outstanding average of 63.28, complemented by a striking strike rate of 115.26.
One of his most memorable performances occurred during the semi-final showdown against arch-rivals Australia. In this high-pressure encounter, Roy single-handedly dismantled Australia’s formidable fast bowling attack, crafting a spectacular innings of 85 runs. His remarkable display included nine boundaries and two sixes, underscoring his ability to dominate world-class bowlers on the grand stage.
Roy’s valuable contributions established him as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament for England, trailing only behind Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes.
Also READ: Here’s how Team India can attain the top ODI ranking ahead of the World Cup 2023
Jason Roy’s remarkable show in the ODI World Cup 2019 for England
- Matches Played: 8
- Runs Scored: 443
- Average: 63.29
- Strike Rate: 115.36
- Fours Hit: 51
- Sixes Hit: 12
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 4
Roy’s recent form and future prospects
Roy, a pivotal figure in England’s 2019 World Cup victory, found himself on the sidelines due to a combination of his recent form and injury concerns. Despite being one of the most experienced players in the ODI format since the 2019 World Cup, Roy’s batting average of 31.78 and a strike rate below 100 raised doubts about his effectiveness.
Excluding runs scored against a less competitive Netherlands side in 2022, Roy’s average plummeted to below 28 across 29 ODIs. This dip in performance, combined with his absence from the England T20I squad for over a year, hinted at a potential turning point in his international career.
With Roy turning 37 by the time of the 2027 World Cup, England’s selection strategy may prioritize nurturing young players capable of making significant contributions in future global tournaments.
Jason Roy’s batting statistics for England after CWC 2019
- Matches Played: 32
- Runs Scored: 890
- Average: 31.78
- Strike Rate: 98.99
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 3
