Manchester: Jason Roy is targeting England’s match against arch-rivals Australia for a World Cup return after being sidelined with a torn hamstring.
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The in-form opening batsman has been ruled out of England’s match against Afghanistan at Old Trafford on Tuesday and their pool encounter with Sri Lanka at Headingley on Friday.
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Roy tore his left hamstring in the field during England’s eight-wicket win over the West Indies last week and did not bat, with Joe Root, who made a century, promoted to open alongside Jonny Bairstow instead.
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But having suffered a similar injury during England’s tour of the Caribbean earlier this year and with the World Cup featuring a long pool phase that sees all 10 teams play each other ahead of the semi-finals, the 28-year-old Roy is confident of returning to action.
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“I did it in the West Indies and it was a lot worse,” Roy told Sky Sports. “It could be way worse – the scan told me it’s minimum 10 days. We’ve got to assess it as we go along.”
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“It’s a huge understatement being frustrated, but I’ve got to keep smiling,” the Surrey star added.
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Roy hit a fifty in England’s opening win over South Africa and then struck a commanding 153 in the host nation’s victory over Bangladesh.
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But he fell for just eight during England’s surprise 14-run defeat to Pakistan at Trent Bridge.
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Now he hopes to face reigning champions Australia at Lord’s on June 25.
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“We’re targeting Australia but we’ll see how this week goes,” said Roy, whose opening partnership with Bairstow has been a key factor in England’s rise to the top of the one-day international rankings and their status as favourites to win the World Cup.
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“If this week goes to plan, then Australia. If not, then who knows. Hamstrings are such a grey area.”