England’s Jason Roy could not have asked for a better comeback than this after the 31-year-old opening batsman scored a blistering century (115 runs off 47 balls) in a warm up game against Barbados Cricket Association President's XI (BCI XI) at the Kensington Oval to help his side secure a comfortable victory by 94 runs.
Roy was making his return to the international circuit after suffering a calf injury. He got injured during his team's final group stage game in the last year’s T20 World Cup event that was held in United Arab Emirates.
On Wednesday (January 19) Roy’s innings in the practice game was comprised of 9 boundaries and 10 sixes as his side reached a total of 231 runs in 20 overs.
Terrific batting display
Another English opening batsman, Tom Banton gave a good support after both of them notched a solid opening partnership of 141 runs. Banton (32 runs off 23 balls) was the first to be dismissed after Keon Harding sent him back to the dressing room. Then came James Vince and he along with Roy took England’s total to 157 as Ashley Nurse picked up the vital wicket or Roy.
Vince remained not out at 40 runs off 29 deliveries (5 boundaries).
Later, England skipper Eoin Morgan scored 22 off 13 balls (2 boundaries and a six) to take his side’s total to a solid score of 231 for 4 in 20 overs.
Nurse picked up two wickets in the innings as he had dismissed Roy and Moeen Ali.
Early danger
In reply, BCI XI were in early danger after they lost their opening batsman- Zachary McCaskie in the first over of the innings. English fast bowler Reece Topley sent McCaskie back to the dressing room for a duck.
No BCI XI batsman seemed to have any clue while facing the impressive English bowling attack. Shamar Springer looked a little promising for BCI XI as he managed to score 36 off 23 balls (2 boundaries and 3 sixes) but eventually eh was dismissed by English pacer Tymal Mills.
Medium-pacer Chris Jordan picked up the final wicket of Akeem Jordan to bundle out the opponents for a mere total of 137 runs.
English team will take on West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series on January 23.
