Roy happy to regain his balance

Matchwinner overcomes dizzy spell to guide England to victory in series opener

England match-winner Jason Roy admitted relief not to suffer any lasting effects of his dizzy spell in the One-Day International victory over Pakistan last night.

The Surrey star’s knock of 65 kickstarted England’s rain-hit run chase, with the hosts prevailing by 44 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method at Southampton.

Roy called for medical attention after feeling light-headed running between the wickets after racking up 20 from 14 balls, and play was halted for five minutes while he gathered his wits.

The 26-year-old later admitted he had simply underestimated the impact of the scorching south-coast temperatures as England got the five-match series off to a winning start.

“It was a case of not having enough sugar on me apparently, that’s it plain and simple,” Roy said.

“I had a headache, felt a bit dizzy, they got the physio and the doctor on, they told me to get some sugar on board.

“I’ll just remember in future on a hot day to be mindful of that. I was able to get my bearings, settle and re-set myself and just go again.

“It was really pleasing to get a score like that, and it was pleasing too that we could knock off the runs. I thought we were outstanding with the ball, and it was a great way to start the series.”

Pakistan’s below-par total of 260 for six from their full 50-over allocation gifted England the advantage at the halfway point.

Two late rain delays in quick succession cut the clash short, but England were by that point well ahead at 194 for three, and claimed the victory on the Duckworth Lewis method.

Joe Root’s 61 kept England en route to victory, before Eoin Morgan’s unbeaten 33 and 15 not out from Ben Stokes proved enough for the win.

Captain Azhar Ali lamented Pakistan’s inability to post a competitive batting total.

“Our total meant that dot-balls weren’t going to put that much pressure on them,” said Azhar.

“Execution is missing, so we will try to solve that in the next game.”

Getty. Jason Roy plays a shot as wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed looks on.