England Test skipper Joe Root has confirmed the fact that Jason Roy and Olly Stone is slated to make their Test debut in the Specsavers one-off four day Test against Ireland starting in Lord’s on Wednesday. Jason Roy’s call-up was expected as he has been going through a purple patch in the white-ball format. He was one of the main reasons why England managed to lift their maiden World Cup title.
Jason Roy performed quite admirably with the bat during the recently concluded ICC World Cup which they won for the first time. He sustained an injury midway through the tournament and it resulted in England’s slump in the middle stages. However, his return against India changed the whole complexion of the tournament and it shrugged off in his opening partner Jonny Bairstow as well.
Roy played a pivotal role during the semi-final against Australia as they thrashed their arch-rivals quite convincingly in a one-sided semi-final. Meanwhile Olly Stone had completely recovered from the back injury. It had forced him to return home early from England’s tour of Windies earlier in the year.
On the other hand, England spearhead I the longest format, James Anderson won’t be available for the four day Test against Ireland after sustaining a calf strain while plying his trade for his county Lancashire. He missed out on the 13 member squad which England named recently.
Coming back to Jason Roy, he will try to establish himself as a formidable force even in the longest format of the game. He is a terrific striker of the ball and will look to impact in the Test format right away. Meanwhile, it will also be a great opportunity for youngster Olly Stone who will be also be making debut for England in the four day Test.
England team v Ireland: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.