Search

show me:

England opener Roy's Ashes slump continues

3 minute read

Jason Roy will come under immense pressure to retain his spot at the top of England's order after two more failures in the third Ashes Test.

JASON ROY
JASON ROY Picture: Steve Bardens/Getty Images

A foul-mouthed Jason Roy has hit a new low in his unconvincing attempt to become a Test opener.

Roy is expected to feel the wrath of England's selectors after the third Ashes Test in Leeds, where he screamed "f*** off" and dropped another f-bomb as a camera operator followed him off the field after being dismissed on day three.

Roy's outburst came almost seven weeks after he was fined for raging at an umpire's decision in the World Cup semi-final against Australia.

Match referee Javagal Srinath had not levelled a charge at stumps, although he may yet decide to.

But that is the least of Roy's worries as he struggles to reproduce his potent World Cup form, which included a match-winning 85 in the semi-final that ended Australia's campaign, in the longest format.

The 29-year-old's miserable debut Ashes continued on Saturday, when he was clean bowled on eight by a sensational delivery from Pat Cummins.

Roy's average as a Test opener is now 8.85, with his 72 on debut against Ireland coming when England used Jack Leach as a nightwatchman opener.

New Zealand's Ken Rutherford, who averaged 4.6 from ten innings as an opener, is the only Test player in history with a lower average after opening in at least seven innings.

Roy and Rory Burns' average partnership since coming together at the top of the order in England's Test side has been 11.9.

Roy has been the weakest link in a misfiring top order that is likely to be reshuffled for the fourth Test that starts on September 4.

Former Australia captains Ian Chappell and Ricky Ponting have been among the many pundits to question Roy's Test credentials.

"Not only is he out of his depth opening the batting, but he's out of his depth at Test level," Chappell said on Nine's coverage of the Headingley Test.

England captain Joe Root and coach Trevor Bayliss have both backed the Surrey batsman throughout the series, although they've publicly disagreed over whether he should open or be demoted down the order.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au