Reports: Cameron Bancroft axed for third Ashes Test
News Corp’s The Daily Telegraph is today reporting that embattled Australian opener Cameron Bancroft has been dropped from the XI ahead of the third Ashes Test at Headingley tonight.
Australia won’t have to face the power of Jason Roy at Lord’s after England opted against risking his hamstring in their World Cup clash.
Roy was injured against West Indies on June 14, and hasn’t featured for the tournament favourites in their past two matches.
He went for further scans on Monday morning and had a hit out in the nets, but the hosts wouldn’t risk him with two big games and finals to follow.
“Jason went for a scan this morning, all positive news, he won’t be fit for tomorrow,” England captain Eoin Morgan.
“We’ll monitor his progress in the week.
“To put one game on it I don’t think is sensible, let’s just see how it goes.”
Roy’s absence is a massive blow to England.
Brought into the side following the last World Cup, he averages 42.04 at the top of the order at a strike rate of 107.06.
He has already hit a big century at the tournament against Bangladesh, as well as 54 against South Africa.
His replacement, James Vince, averages far lower with 26.50 while his strike-rate is far lower at 89.22. He has not formed part of England’s one-day revolution.
“It’s Jason Roy, of course he’s a big loss,” Morgan said.
“He’s an outstanding performer for us.
“I’m confident we have the batting covered. James Vince is an extremely talented, gifted player.”
“You can see that just watching him. We’ve every faith in him to go on and get a score at some stage.”
England must likely win two of their final three games against heavyweights Australia, India and New Zealand to guarantee their spot in the finals.
However they could scrape in with one victory depending on other results.
News Corp’s The Daily Telegraph is today reporting that embattled Australian opener Cameron Bancroft has been dropped from the XI ahead of the third Ashes Test at Headingley tonight.
Cricket is an amazing game. After one Test it seemed certain that these Ashes would be the Summer of Steve. With just a few hours of the second Test remaining, Jofra Archer was set to be anointed 2019’s Supreme Being.
As the news of Steve Smith getting ruled out of the Test in Headingley broke out, not only the Australian side but also the Ashes suffered a massive jolt. Arguably the best batsman from either side of the series so far having to sit out shakes up the bout.
For the pragmatist, England’s performance at Lord’s, while impressive, was fruitless and earned them nothing. Australia retained its 1-0 lead, and are one win away from retaining the Ashes.
The scary prospect of James Anderson’s impending return, the short-ball problems of Aussie skipper Tim Paine and England captain Joe Root’s poor form are three issues hanging over this Ashes as the third Test starts today.
With rain keeping Australia ahead in the Ashes, the teams move to Headingley for the third Test, where a win would allow the visitors to retain the urn against a desperate England outfit.
