JASON ROY EXCLUSIVE
JASON ROY is champing at the bit to get into the white heat of an Ashes battle — because he reckons the oldest contest in the game could suit his attacking style.
Not for the faint-hearted, Ashes cricket has chewed up and spat out many a batsman in the early stages of their Test career.
It is raw and emotional, highspeed and high-quality. And it is the stiffest examination of every part of your being as a cricketer.
And, despite Roy’s 84-match ODI career for England that has given him the title of World Champion, this will be something new and unknown for him.
But, fresh from a debut against Ireland at Lord’s where he collected 72 in the second innings to give him plenty of confidence for Edgbaston, Roy is simply excited to see whether his all-action style can match up to the all-action flavour of the Ashes.
Roy said: “Ashes cricket is quite an intense type of Test cricket where you have to be right on top of your game from ball one and where the opposition are relentless in every way that they come at you.
“Ashes cricket could suit my style of play because both teams tend to want to take the positive option, where possible, to get on top.
“If you don’t have something to go back at the bowlers and the Aussies with, they will walk all over you and enjoy doing so. I’m hoping to be positive in my approach and use my skills to take the game to the Aussies. It is a contest where you don’t want to be taking a backwards step.
“It is the toughest examination you can get in the game.
“It will be my toughest Test in the game, based on how good the bowlers are, how quick they are and how hostile they are, because it is an Ashes series.
“It is not going to be easy, by any means, but I know if I can come through it and cope with what they throw at me, then I’ll be able to cope with Test cricket.”
Roy is hopeful that, while the games are significantly different, the fact he has so much international experience will be help, come Thursday morning.
He has faced Australia’s ma bowling threats before, mo memorably scoring 180 at th Melbourne Cricket Ground la year against an attack th included Mitchell Starc and P Cummins.