Jason Roy shakes off dizzy spell to put Pakistan in a spin – and England on top – after first one-day international
Batsman Jason Roy called on England to seize control of the one-day series with Pakistan in Saturday’s second match at Lord’s after he overcame a bout of illness to spearhead a 44-run win on Wednesday night.
Roy’s classy 65 set the hosts firmly on their way to meeting a victory target of 261 at Southampton before persistent showers brought an early end to the contest in England’s favour. Their 194-3 was comfortably enough to meet a rain-adjusted target and take a 1-0 series lead.
Surrey star Roy needed medical attention at the crease early in his innings after feeling dizzy and struggling to see the ball but battled on and finished the evening in high spirits.
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“I’m feeling good,” said the 26-year-old. ”I’m trusting my training – a lot of hard work’s gone into it. Hopefully I’ll put in another performance for the guys on Saturday.
“I think the bowlers did outstanding. We bowled and fielded extremely well and the boys were pretty happy with it. Towards the end the boys said it started gripping and spinning a bit more. A win’s a win.
“We’ve got a lot of confidence going into Saturday’s game. They’re a very good attack. It was quite nice early on with the newer ball on that pitch, so I wanted to make use of that.”
England’s effective death-bowling limited Pakistan to just 40 runs off the last seven overs as they finished on 260-6.
Mark Wood earlier took the wicket of opener Sharjeel Khan on his international return.
Roy then set about chasing down that score, aided by Root, who hit 61. They shared an 89-run second-wicket partnership after Alex Hales had departed for just seven.
Captain Eoin Morgan added 33 not out and Ben Stokes an unbeaten 15 before the weather made the decisive intervention.