ICC World Cup 2023: Jason Roy Might Not Make It Into Final Squad - Michael Atherton Says His Situation Is Concerning

Former England opener Michael Atherton opened up about Jason Roy’s spot in the team for the ICC World Cup 2023. He said feels that his situation is concerning and he might not make it into the final 15-member squad for the tournament, set to take place in India next month.

England opener Jason Roy has been one of the finest top-order batters for team in the white-ball cricket. However, in the last few months, he hasn’t played ODI cricket and has found himself down in the pecking order, with the team giving preference to Dawid Malan.

In the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand, Jason Roy didn’t feature in any of the four games. He has been England’s first-choice opener since the last few years but team management gave Dawid Malan the nod ahead. The southpaw, however, cashed in all the opportunities as he scored 303 runs including two half-centuries and one ton.

Michael Atherton feels that Jason Roy not playing much ODI cricket along with him being injured prone will hamper his confidence.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he explained: “I think the [Roy situation] is concerning for a number of reasons, including the lack of 50-over cricket he has had since March, when he did well in Bangladesh. The other concern is the type of injury.

I speak from experience when saying back spasms are difficult to deal with because they suddenly come on and when you get them they are in the back of your mind. You don’t have full confidence in your body.”

ICC World Cup 2023: Jason Roy Might Not Make It Into Final Squad – Michael Atherton

Michael Atherton further highlighted that the team will be travelling a lot during the ICC World Cup 2023, which is not good for the back spasm that Jason Roy has. He made a bold claim that the batter might miss out from the final squad.

He added: “The nature of this tournament in India means you are flying from venue to venue. Every day is a flying day, with different hotels, different beds, and lots of travel, which is not good for that type of injury. England have yet to name their final squad and, who knows, Roy might not make it.”

England will now be seen in the action when they will take on Ireland in the three-match series, starting 20th September. They have rested all their first-choice player and it’ll be an opportunity for Jason Roy to stake his claim back.