England’s star opener Jason Roy has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2021. Roy injured his left leg’s calf during England’s last Super 12 stage clash against South Africa on November 6. Roy was in agonising pain and had to be taken off the field with the help of physio and Tom Curran. The 31-year-old’s rehab has already started but he will stay on with the team for the knockout games and provide support.
"I’m gutted to be ruled out of the World Cup. It is a bitter pill to swallow. I will be staying on to support the boys, and hopefully, we can go all the way and lift that trophy. It has been an unbelievable journey so far, and we have to continue expressing ourselves and concentrating on us,” Roy said.
"The rehab has already started, and even though I’ve torn my calf, I’m going to give myself the best chance of being ready for the T20 tour of the Caribbean at the start of next year," the Durban-born cricketer added.
Roy has scored 123 runs from five innings so far including an half-century against Bangladesh. In his absence, skipper Eoin Morgan may promote Dawid Malan or Jonny Bairstow up the order.
Roy’s replacement
England Cricket Board (ECB) has named James Vince as Roy’s replacement for the knockout games. It is yet to be seen whether Vince will get a direct entry and open alongside Jos Buttler or England opt for a middle order batter like Sam Billings. James Vince has represented England in12 T20Is and scored 340 runs at an average of 28.33 including one half-century.
England will face Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in the first semi-final clash on November 10 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
