There is still a question mark on whether Roy can play Test match cricket, opines Allan Lamb

Jason Roy had a shaky debut in the all-whites for England in the victorious outing for England, as he could only score five runs in his first innings as an opener. However, coming in at number three in the next innings with Jack Leach being promoted up the order, Roy showed glimpses of his promise as he scored a sturdy 72.

However, he clearly did not do enough to dispel the questions regarding how well will he be able to settle in into the sport’s most extended format. He certainly is a great white ball cricketer, as was seen by his 443 runs from 7 innings at an average of 63.29 in the World Cup, but the Ashes ahead will prove to be a good challenge for him.

"I think there is still a question mark on whether Roy can play Test match cricket. The Ashes will be a big test for him and it will be interesting to see how he copes with batting for long periods of time against a quality attack," ex-England skipper Allan Lamb told TOI, reported Cricbuzz.

The 65-year old was himself a part of multiple Ashes series, two of which his country won. He believes the addition of the influential Steve Waugh to the dressing room will help the Kangaroos’ cause.

"Steve is a world-class player who knows how to motivate people. The last time Australia won the Ashes in England was under his captaincy, and Langer has made a clever move by bringing him into the dressing room," said Lamb.

The most interesting battles are expected to be that between the pacers and the batsmen. However, the unpredictable conditions in the isles might prove to be a major factor that determines how well either team’s bowling unit performs. 

"A dry and sunny weather means that Australia will be able to reverse-swing the ball and someone like James Pattinson bowling with pace could be trouble for England. Rains and overcast conditions could bring in the swing factor and Anderson & Co. will fancy their chances," Lamb said.

England are in high spirits having won their maiden World Cup less than a month ago, but a close shave against Ireland in their only match since then showed how unpredictable the game can prove to be.

"While it was a big relief to see England win the World Cup, one shouldn't compare the two formats. The Test against Ireland was a wake-up call. England will have their focus firmly on the Ashes and not on anything else," Lamb concluded.