Cric Editor
The Mirror – Jason Roy has been called up to make his England Test debut — and Jimmy Anderson will be handed a ‘live’ Ashes fitness Test – against Ireland at Lord’s next week.
Summary
- Jason Roy has been called up to make his England Test debut — and Jimmy Anderson will be handed a ‘live’ Ashes fitness Test – against Ireland at Lord’s next week.
- In the clearest sign yet that Roy will open the batting against the Aussies as England try to win back the famous urn, the Surrey batsman – who has provided such thrilling rocket fuel for England’s World Cup triumph in recent weeks – is included in a 13-man squad for the inaugural Test against the Irish pioneers.
- Privately, England’s think-tank had earmarked Roy for a Test place after struggling to find an opening pair who possess the chemistry and adhesion to frustrate Australia’s battery of pace bowlers.
- World Cup Final hero batsmen Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are rested, while fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood – who both suffered side strains in Sunday’s dramatic Super Over win against New Zealand – were both not considered on fitness grounds.
- To face Ireland in a four-day Test at Lord’s, starting next Wednesday
