Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
THE FIFTH ODI, OLD TRAFFORD, 11AM FIRST THE AUSSIES ...THEN THE WORLD
Red-hot Roy reveals how England’s record-breaking form against Australia is just a warm-up for the big one at home next summer
JASON ROY has lifted the lid on England’s World Cup obsession.
In a series where Roy and the rest of England’s top order have broken record after record, the Surrey batsman has revealed how little they matter compared to the main prize.
Normally the prospect of inflicting a 5-0 whitewash on the Aussies would be driving the team towards another piece of history, but this time the players are treating it as nothing more than a chance to refine their skills. “Our main aim is to just make sure that these are just stepping stones to the bigger picture, being the World Cup,” said Roy.
“It’s great breaking all the records and stuff, but at the end of the day the aim is to have this confidence come the World Cup. They are only stepping stones to the tournament we want to win.
“Scoring 481 is great, it’s another win under our belt and is a record, which feels good, but a World Cup will feel better.
“The records are fantastic obviously and it’s a nice reward for the hard work we have put in, but there is more to this than records.”
With Jonny Bairstow as his opening partner, they have scored more century partnerships than any other English duo, an extraordinary (Eng) (Ind) (Pak) (Ind) (Aus) (WI) feat when you consider that a year ago Roy lost his place in the side to Bairstow.
Dropped for the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat by Pakistan, Roy was heartbroken and left wondering whether the World Cup might also pass him by.
But after hitting two more tons against the Aussies in home conditions, it is inconceivable he will not be playing a part in 2019.
He added: “As a kid I did look up to the Champions Trophy and wanted to play well, but I got dropped and that was heartbreaking for me, so going away and putting in the hard work I know I’m going to get my rewards.
“Let’s hope this time next year I’m at the World Cup and I’m in decent form and can win some games for the team.
“At the end of the day, I want to be a part of the team in the World Cup. If I’m not I’m not, that’s the way it is, it is for the benefit of the team.
“Right now I’m probably in the best head space I’ve been in, knowing my role in the team, knowing my training and knowing my technique and trusting myself – yeah, you could probably say that.”