England coach wants star opener to 'remain positive that he can still make impact' at WC

England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick offered words of encouragement to the sidelined seasoned opener, who was left out of England's World Cup 2023 squad. His exclusion was due to recurring back spasms that kept him out of the recent white-ball series against New Zealand. 

3 things you need to know 

• England added Harry Brook to their 15-man World Cup squad
• England are the defending champions at the 2023 World Cup
• Jos Buttler-led England will face New Zealand in their first match

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England urges Jason Roy to stay positive

Disheartened by this setback, Jason Roy made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Ireland ODIs, leading to speculation about his potential retirement after the World Cup. Trescothick, however, has urged Roy to stay positive, emphasising the crucial role that reserves can play in a World Cup.

"I've not spoken to Jason, he's surely disappointed but you've got to remain positive that he can still make an impact. Reserves have a big part in World Cups. You pick up one injury and someone comes in, they could come in and make a hell of a lot of runs. If he keeps himself fit and ready to go, should we need him to come out then we'll make that call," Trescothick was quoted as saying by Sky Cricket.

Originally named in the England provisional squad, Roy was omitted in favour of Harry Brook, a decision that surprised many. Roy had also missed out on the T20 World Cup squad last year due to poor form.

Did Jason Roy miss his opportunity?

Trescothick noted that Roy had an opportunity to showcase his skills in the three-match ODI series against Ireland but declined to participate following his exclusion. Roy had been in good form in ODIs this year, averaging 46.33 with a nearly 100 strike rate in six games.

Roy played a pivotal role in England's historic ODI World Cup victory at home in 2019, amassing 443 runs at an impressive average of 63.28 and a strike rate of 115.36.

"It was a good opportunity for him to play a longer innings and play a bit more. We know how much of a talent he is, it's his opportunity - getting the chance to play is going to be the real challenge for him. It's a good team, trying to break into it is tough," said Trescothick.

Roy boasts 116 ODIs for England, accumulating 4,271 runs at an average of nearly 40 and an exceptional strike rate of 105.53. In contrast, Harry Brook struggled in the 50-over format, averaging just 20.50 in six games, including a disappointing series against New Zealand.

England will conclude their ODI series against Ireland in Bristol on September 26 before embarking on their World Cup journey with their first match against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on October 5.