The Ashes: Jason Roy dropped by England for Fifth Test after just 110 runs in eight innings vs Australia
JASON ROY has been dumped as England attempt to avoid their first home Ashes defeat for 18 years.
Surrey batsman Roy is axed from today’s Fifth Test because an injury to Ben Stokes has forced a re-shuffle — with the all-rounder unlikely to bowl.
Roy has scored just 110 runs in eight Ashes innings at an average of 18.70 — with a top score of just 31 — with his technique ruthlessly exposed by the Aussies bowlers.
Captain Joe Root said: “Jason has had a feel of Test cricket and it’s not gone quite how he would have liked.
“But I’m sure he’ll go away and work extremely hard and come again. That’s what you expect of guys when they get left out and I’m sure he’ll have the attitude of wanting to prove a point.”
Stokes may not be able to bowl at the Oval because of a shoulder problem but still plays as a specialist batsman.
That means Surrey team-mate Sam Curran comes in to bowl some overs and Chris Woakes returns at the expense of Craig Overton.
Stokes will bat at No.4 with Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler moving up to five and six.
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Root added: “Ben might be able to bowl a couple of overs here and there but it would be a risk to play him as a fourth seamer.
“But his batting is a massive part of our side and he deserves to play as a batter. He’ll find different ways of getting himself into the game even if it’s not with the ball.
“Sam Curran is a competitor and will try to show everyone how good he is.”