Bairstow will miss out as England keep faith with Roy

ENGLAND will pick Jason Roy for their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh and for the remainder of the tournament too.

Roy’s place at the top of the order appeared to be under pressure after his run of four single-figure scores in his last five one-day international innings.

Jonny Bairstow emerged as a feasible replacement thanks to his three half-centuries in his last four ODI opportunities – as well as the 174 he made for Yorkshire against Durham at the start of this month, which proved he can be effective as an opener too.

But England captain Eoin Morgan spelled out, on the eve of England’s first match at The Oval, that Roy will stay in situ.

“The decision will remain the same throughout the tournament,” he said. “Jason Roy is part of our strong opening partnership with Alex Hales, and he’ll definitely play.”

Bairstow therefore remains a backup batsman despite his outstanding run of form in all formats over the past two years.

“Jonny Bairstow will miss out unfortunately - it’s been the case for the last couple of years,” said Morgan, who explained England are determined to stick with players through thick and thin to help breed confidence in the attacking but highrisk approach to batting which has paid off since the 2015 World Cup.

Morgan added: “(Bairstow) has been very good when he’s come in but one of the strongest parts of reinforcing the way we play, and the freedom, is backing that up with (consistent) selection.”

Morgan also had a favourable report on key all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was able to bowl briefly on the edge of the square during practice following the latest round of scans on his knee injury.