Jason Roy would cope if asked to open for England in Tests, says Alec Stewart

Roy's name has been linked with the position as England continue to struggle to find a natural successor to Sir Alastair Cook, even though he does not routinely open the batting for his county in red-ball cricket

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart says Jason Roy has what it takes to be a Test-match opener.

Roy's name has been linked with the position as England continue to struggle to find a natural successor to Sir Alastair Cook, even though he does not routinely open the batting for his county in red-ball cricket.

Stewart believes the 28-year-old has the ability and temperament to step up should he be called upon.

“Jason is opening in one-day international cricket. Twenty20 and Test cricket are miles apart, but in the first 10 or 15 overs of 50-over cricket you still have to respect that new ball,” he said.

^{Jason Roy in action for Surrey}

“I don’t see it as a big issue for him and he’d cope with the stepping stone up to Test cricket.

“The Australia attack is a challenging attack, but Jason’s method is a solid one. He’s a good stroke player and a good hitter of the ball, but he can defend well too, which you have to be able to do.

“Jason is unlikely to be fit for the Essex game with this (hamstring) problem. We’re hoping he is, but it’s unlikely.

“His first red-ball innings could therefore be against Ireland in a Test match, assuming he has a good World Cup.”

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