Roy dropped as England attempt to salvage draw

CRICKET: Curran and Woakes brought in for final Ashes Test at the Oval

Jason Roy has been dropped for the final Ashes Test, with England captain Joe Root suggesting others might be playing for their places at the Oval.

Ben Stokes’ shoulder injury has forced a reshuffle in the side, with fellow allrounder Sam Curran recalled at Roy’s expense and Chris Woakes returning in place of Craig Overton.

England can still salvage a drawn series over the next five days and will be eager to deny Australia turning their unassailable 2-1 lead into a first series win on these shores since 2001.

Standing Roy down at his home ground was not how England envisaged their experiment with the World Cup-winning batsman ending but an average of 18.70 in his five Tests, with a top score of 31 against Australia, left him vulnerable.

Roy faces an uncertain future in the red ball game as a result but whether he earns a second chance – either at opener or in the number four position he filled at Old Trafford – could depend on who succeeds head coach Trevor Bayliss, whose four-year reign ends after the series.

“Jason is the unfortunate one to miss out,” said Root, after explaining Stokes would effectively play as a specialist number four batsman.

Roy is far from alone in underperforming with the bat and serious questions have been asked of Joe Denly, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler over the past few weeks.

All three average fewer than 26 in the past four Tests, the kind of return that does not win Ashes series and one that puts them firmly under the microscope.

Root’s own captaincy has been queried, though there does not appear to be any appetite for change from within the England camp, and he made it clear his plans do not have room for those who cannot raise their game.

“I think in terms of personnel things might change, as they have done for a while. We have to focus on the core group of players that can lead this team forward,” he said.

“In terms of my own captaincy I know the direction I want to take this team moving forward and it is about starting that now and not after this series. It is important we win this game and have a really strong winter and move forward as a group.”

Root took the opportunity to pay tribute to Bayliss and suggested the Australian’s self-assessment of his own tenure, pitched at “five out of 10”, was under-selling his contribution.

“I give him a slightly higher mark. I think that sums him up really, he’s quite a modest bloke,” said the skipper.

“He has had a massive influence here and he will be sorely missed.

Picture: PA. Jason Roy has been dropped for the final Ashes Test.