Jason Roy Can Solve England's Top Order Problem, Says Trevor Bayliss

Jason Roy had an excellent Test debut scoring a fine fifty in the one-off Test match against Ireland earlier this week at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. England coach Trevor Bayliss feels Roy can solve England’s top-order problem in the long run.

Roy should solve top-order problem: Bayliss

The swashbuckling opener got off a faulty start getting out for five runs in the first innings before coming out strong in the second essay scoring 72 runs which helped England secure a crucial lead. After Andrew Strauss retired in 2012, England great Alastair Cook struggled to find a stable opening partner of his own before bidding farewell to Test career last year. Moreover, Joe Root & Co have also struggled with their number three batsman. Their problem with the top-order was once again out in the open when Ireland bowled out England for 85 runs in the first innings.

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Trevor Bayliss is hopeful about Jason Roy‘s success at the top order despite the aggressive batters batting in the middle order for Surrey. Bayliss said Roy looked a bit nervous but backed him to play his natural game and replicate what David Warner has done for Australia. The England coach whose tenure will come to an end after the Ashes has backed his players to full which has been the USP of this side’s success across the formats.

“Like any debutant, he looked nervous but to score 70-odd in your first Test was a good effort,” said Bayliss. “We want him to go out and play his natural game but in red-ball cricket you have to be a little more selective. You’ve got to make a conscious effort to say to yourself, ‘I’m not going to go for the big cover drive on the up until I’m really settled, the wicket is flat or the ball’s not doing as much,” he added.

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With England struggling with the top-order, many felt that skipper Joe Root should bat at three. But the England captain has preferred to bat at four, and Trevor Bayliss said that it is his choice to decide where he wants to bat.

“Joe knows how I feel,” Bayliss said. “It’s been my thought for a few years (that Root should bat at number three). “But he’s the captain and he’ll make the final decision,” he concluded.