England opener could play against Ireland to boost
After again missing out on the final match against New Zealand at Lord’s, Jason Roy could play in the one-day series against Ireland.
The 33-year-old Roy hasn’t played in any of the four games against the Black Caps due to a back problem.
In the three games against the Irish, the first of which is on Wednesday, none of England’s initial 15-man squad was expected to play.
The England team is due to confirm their party for the World Cup in India next week.
Roy, who was part of the England team that won the World Cup on home soil in 2019, has been suffering from back spasms.
In an interview with Test Match Special, England captain Jos Buttler expressed frustration about the situation.
“He is very eager to play and be fit. He is moving very well, but he is not quite ready for a game of cricket today.
There’s a frustration there, but that’s the situation we find ourselves in now.”
On 27 September, the day after the third match against Ireland in Bristol, England will fly to the World Cup.
For that series, they have named an entirely different squad of 13 players, with Zak Crawley leading the charge.
When asked if Roy might make an appearance against the Irish after not playing since the final of The Hundred on 27 August, Buttler replied: “I think so.”.
Obviously, the Ireland squad has been selected, but we still have a few days to make any changes, or expose anyone to some games of cricket.