T20 World Cup: England waiting for news on Jason Roy after opener suffers calf injury

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Jason Roy suffered a calf injury against South Africa and is a doubt for the rest of the T20 World Cup; Sky Sports’ Rob Key and England fast pitcher Mark Wood say there are plenty of options to replace Roy if the hitting tournament ends; watch the England semi-final on Sky Sports on Wednesday

Jason Roy stopped injured during England’s chase against South Africa on Saturday.

England are awaiting the results of a scan to see if Jason Roy will be available for the remainder of his T20 World Cup campaign after the first match suffered a calf strain.

The batsman suffered the injury while attempting to complete a run during England’s 10-run loss to South Africa in Sharjah on Saturday.

Roy was crying when they helped him off the field and then showed him on crutches, and the 31-year-old will now be evaluated on Sunday before the result is revealed on Monday.

England play in the first semi-final against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, live from 1.30 pm. Sky Sports Cricket – and, if they win, they will compete in the final next Sunday in Dubai against Pakistan or Australia, who will play the second semi-final on Thursday.

If Roy, who has scored 123 runs in this World Cup with a best of 61 against Bangladesh, is ruled out, James Vince could replace his role as a traveling reserve to replace Roy on the team.

Sam Billings has been the backup hitter in England’s squad and could take Roy’s place in the XI, but since he’s primarily a mid-level player, he would need a further shakeup.

Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan and Moeen Ali are candidates to step up from the middle order and open with fit Jos Buttler.

Speaking about Roy’s injury on Saturday night, England captain Eoin Morgan said: “He is incredibly important. He is a guy who embodies everything we are in the locker room and the way we play.”

“You see how dominant he is at the top of the order, not just in T20 cricket, but also in 50-over cricket.

“He’s the closest we can get to figuring out how the dressing room should play. We’re heartbroken for Jase, but we’re also hopeful that he’s okay.”

“We all hope that he will recover in some way or that there is some remedy to make it happen in one, if not two games. But we have to do what’s best for Jason ultimately and then for the team.

“Anyone missing the last stages of the tournament hurts the mood (of the dressing room).”

Sky Sports Cricket Expert Rob Key said: “It’s bad as that initial partnership between Roy and Buttler is pretty devastating for the opposition bowling attacks.

“But England also have Bairstow, who is one of the best starting batsmen in T20 cricket. So it’s not a complete disaster. For Roy, though, it has to be heartbreaking. You could see how upset he was.”

England fast bowler Mark Wood added: “I am disappointed in J-Roy. He is a great character and a brilliant player for us. We have great talent and good depth so someone will have to step up. “.

“Bairstow naturally opens in games over 50, Vince is a reserve so maybe he could come in and open and Livingstone started for Lancashire so we have a lot of options.”

Watch the England vs. New Zealand T20 World Cup semi-final live on Sky Sports Cricket from 1.30pm on Wednesday.

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