Morgan backs Roy as his first choice in Champions Trophy

● Opener picked despite run of low scores

ENGLAND V BANGLADESH

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 back-up 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 high-risk 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.

England are planning on the basis Stokes will be able to bowl at least a handful of overs against Bangladesh – while Morgan confirmed Chris Woakes is fully fit again after his thigh niggle.

“Chris Woakes is 100 per cent fit and has come through the last two or three days really well,” he said.

“Ben Stokes has had a little bowl today, and we will see how he pulls up tomorrow to see how much he will bowl but I certainly see him bowling.” Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, meanwhile, admits England have players to fear from one to 11 but says they must prove they can handle the pressure of starting the Champions Trophy as favourites on home soil.

Mashrafe, who was in charge when Bangladesh ended England’s hopes at the last World Cup with a 15-run win

0 Jason Roy is first choice at the top of England’s batting order. in Adelaide, has been hugely impressed at the way Eoin Morgan’s team have reinvented themselves in the intervening two years.

But he said: “I think England will feel more pressure than us, because they want the trophy in a home tournament.”

Mashrafe insisted he would not be drawing on the history of 2015. He added: “That was a long time back... and England are a totally different team,

“The way they are playing, if you look at the last two years... they win almost everything. Especially at home, they are a serious side.

“But we know we are also a better side. At least four or five of our players have been playing cricket together for the last 10, 12 years.

“We also have some exciting youngsters like Mustafizur (Rahman), Sabbir Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.”