Rory Burns has backed Jason Roy to shine on his England Test debut, hailing his old school pal as one of the most naturally talented batsmen he has played with.
Fresh from his integral role in England’s World Cup-winning squad, Roy will make his long-format debut against Ireland in this week’s four-day Test at Lord’s.
Roy will open with his Surrey captain Burns. The duo both attended Whitgift and even toured Australia with the school’s under-15s.
“You’d be hard-pushed to find a more naturally talented batsman than Jason,” said Burns, five weeks younger than Roy, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Sunday.
“Even growing up as a kid you saw Jason hit the ball, strike the ball and do things other kids couldn’t do.
“Over the last couple of years you’ve seen him rein it in, understand his game a bit more and sort of piece it all together.
“We have seen what a wonderful player he is. Hopefully he can keep on doing that and he can translate his white-ball form into red ball.
“I’ve known Jason since he was 10, so to stride out in a Test match with him will be a pretty cool feeling.”
Roy is set to be among three debutants for the one-off Test match against Ireland which gets under way on Wednesday.
Somerset’s Lewis Gregory and Warwickshire’s Olly Stone are poised to be among England’s bowling attack as James Anderson continues to struggle with a calf injury.
For Burns, the Surrey opener will be looking to lock down his place ahead of the forthcoming Ashes series which gets under way at Edgbaston a week on Thursday.
Burns, who has been charged with filling Sir Alastair Cook’s shoes, made his Test debut on last winter’s Tour of Sri Lanka, and his appearance against Ireland could provide him with the chance to make the opening three-figure salvo of his six-match England career.
“Like most the guys that are coming in and in amongst it you’ve got to try and cement a place in the side,” Burns added.
“Obviously without scoring the runs, I have not done that yet. That’s probably my next challenge from a personal perspective.
“It is one Test before the Ashes, so if you put your hand up and score some runs you know that you’re going to be there or thereabouts come next week.”
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
The McEnroe of cricket? Surely, 'you can't be serious'.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Hales was picked for Tests in the hope he might be a Warner/Sehwag style attacking opening batsman but then he never had the confidence to actually try to bat like that and instead attempted to be a dour opener, which didn't suit his strengths.
Paul
Roar Guru
I'm wondering if they think Roy might be another Kevin Petterson, Bob, especially after that brain explosion in the semi final? Clearly a seriously talented bat, but that tanty he chucked was as bad as I've seen in 40 plus years of watching the game. He'll be forgiven if he dies something similar but is making runs, but otherwise.....
Paul
Roar Guru
another bloke tried and discarded Peter. 15 Tests for an average under 28 isn't going to get you a Test spot, not unless he's making a gazillion runs in County cricket and I gather that's not the case.
Paul
Roar Guru
surely did Neel, 11 Tests at an average under 28.
Gone for 4
Guest
Did anyone actually see the way he batted in the final when the ball was moving. He won't see out 20 overs.
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
"The move with Roy might pay off but he could get found out by quality bowlers." .. That could be exactly what the England hierarchy are thinking. Nothing much to lose if he fails but could pay off big time. Gotta admit I would have done the same. If he manages to stay in for 2 or more sessions he could be past 200.. ps, I just used Sehwag as an example of the type of player I expect him to be. Who knows, he might go all Geoff Boycott in a test but somehow that seems unlikely to me. ;)
AREH
Roar Guru
His transition will be fascinating to see, as it will probably go one of two ways. We talk a lot about introducing players to the pressure of test cricket in as low-key fashion as possible, yet this is anything but!
Neel
Roar Guru
Paul, didn’t Alex Hales, who is a similar type of player to Roy play Test matches for England as well?
Neel
Roar Guru
Sehwag got found out for his lack of footwork in countries like South Africa, New Zealand and England. These countries favour swing and generally pace bowlers more, so I reckon Roy could get found out. Sehwag, averaged under 30 in the above nations. The move with Roy might pay off but he could get found out by quality bowlers.
Peter Warrington
Guest
Malan
Paul
Roar Guru
more than 2 years of experimentation brings an opportunity for Jason Roy. A first class average of 38 is not great, but as you rightly suggest Bob, they have little to lose and few other options that haven't been tried and failed.
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
Roy's selection doesn't surprise me. They haven't had a lot of luck with their recent openers so why not try him. Nothing to lose but plenty to gain. Lot's of fans question his technique and say it won't stand up to Test cricket but I'm not so sure about that. From what I saw in the WC he seems to play a lot of normal cricket shots in amongst the trick shots and his defence looks pretty solid too. He could end up doing a Sehwag, who knows. I certainly hope not but it's not out of the question imo.