Jason Roy Refuses To Play Against Ireland After World Cup Snub, Replaced By Tom Kohler-Cadmore In England Squad

Disappointed with the World Cup snub, Jason Roy has turned down the chance to ply his trade for England’s second-string side in the ongoing series against Ireland.

The right-handed batsman, who was an integral member of the England team that won the ODI World Cup in 2019, was looking set to play in the forthcoming edition of the tournament too after being named in the preliminary squad. However, he was brutally axed from the World Cup squad to make room for Harry Brook.

There were reports that Brook might replace Dawid Malan in the squad. But with Malan performing well in the ODI series against New Zealand and Jason Roy missing the series due to a back spasm, England selectors and the team management decided to drop the opening batsman last week.

Jason Roy replaced in England squad for Ireland ODIs:

Jason Roy had the opportunity to give a fitting response by doing well against Ireland but the batsman has decided against playing in the series. He has been replaced by uncapped Somerset batsman Tom Kohler-Cadmore in the England squad for the remainder of the series.

Earlier, England’s national selector Luke Wright had announced that Jason Roy was given “the option of being involved” against Ireland. He also stated that the opener’s decision would not affect his status as a “batting reserve at the top of the order” for the World Cup.

“He wasn’t expecting to be in that Ireland squad and then to get the news that he was missing out on the World Cup all came as a bit of a hammer blow,” Wright said. “We’ve made it apparent to Jason that we won’t judge him differently for that position as the spare batter at the top of the order whether he plays against Ireland or not.”

Talking about Kohler-Cadmore, he is presently playing for Somerset in their County Championship fixture against Kent at Taunton. The match is due to finish on Friday (September 22). The batter has done well in the domestic circuit this season. He helped Somerset win the T20 Blast for the first time since 2005 and is currently their second-highest run-scorer in the Championship.

Meanwhile, the first ODI between England and Ireland was washed out on Wednesday (September 20). The second match is scheduled to take place on Saturday in Nottingham.