Old Trafford win stands England in good stead for UAE World Cup, says Jason Roy

England defeated Pakistan by three wickets to seal a 2-1 series win, safely navigating Old Trafford’s spinning track. But despite the series win and England’s strong white-ball summer, opener Roy urged caution

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Jason Roy believes England’s victory over Pakistan on the spinning track at Emirates Old Trafford stands them in good stead for this autumn’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.

England, who have historically struggled in spinning conditions, chased down 155 with two balls remaining to seal a three-wicket victory and win the three-match T20 series 2-1.

However, despite England winning all four of their white-ball series this summer, losing just one match in the process, Roy is not getting ahead of himself.

"We’ve always been tremendous on flat wickets and scoring lots of runs, but for us to go and chase a total on something that wasn’t easy to start on at all was going to be hugely pleasing for us, especially heading into the UAE," he said after the match. "[But] you can’t get too ahead of yourself, especially in T20 cricket.

"But for us to put in a huge performance like that. Pakistan were chomping at the bit to right some wrongs from the ODI series, so they came out firing, and it was a really tight series and it showed that from the numbers. I’m just over the moon with how it’s gone."

^{Jason Roy batting in the third T20I}

Addressing his own performance, Roy, who earned player of the match honours for his 36-ball 64 at the top of the order, commented on improving his batting against spin.

"I’ve had to work extremely hard at it and got some runs under my belt with obviously helps," he said. "Batting’s one of those things you’re always working on. You never, ever rest on your laurels and think I’ve done it, I can play against anyone, I’m as good as it gets. I’m still putting in a lot of graft.

"I just think I’ve got a stronger game plan and I’m way more precise with my shots. Obviously, three games in a row getting out in that manner to pretty much the same delivery, but that’s just a case of me being lazy to be honest. The issue has always been how I start my innings against spin, but these have are when I’ve been in – someone’s going to get you out eventually."

Another player who has excelled during this series is Liam Livingstone. The Lancashire allrounder scored a team-leading 147 runs against Pakistan, including scoring England fastest ever T20I century during the first T20I at Trent Bridge, and was awarded the player of the series accolade. However, rather than feel his place is under threat from Livingstone, Roy is just happy to see a teammate do well.

"We’re extremely pleased for him," Roy said. "I didn’t think about myself at all, I was just over the moon for him because he’s such a good player and he works hard, and he’s got a lot smarter over the last few years.

"Playing with him at Perth, I knew what he was capable of, and I’ve seen bits of him before in the Big Bash and smacking around in the Blast. To see it first hand is incredible and you just have to go, 'fair play lad, you’re an absolute jet'."