Australia targeting brute force of Roy

Australia have dug forensically into the technique and mindset of Jason Roy in a bid to topple England’s batting brute in Thursday’s World Cup semifinal.

Although Roy has performed well so far, the Australians aren’t convinced about his mental toughness. Led by analyst Dene Hills, the Aussies have been meticulous in their data research and are vigilantly profiling Roy.

Bowling coach Adam Griffith said knocking over Roy and Bairstow would be crucial, particularly after the South Africans had set up their victory with bully-boy batting in the opening power play at Manchester.

“He (Roy) is a really important part of their group. I think he just gives them a bit more confidence when he gets out there to bat but we have been pretty good up front with the new ball,” he said.

Roy had a go at mental warfare this week, declaring Australia’s loss to South Africa “might have affected their confidence a little bit”. But it’s Roy’s confidence that faces the greatest challenge, as he is hoping to force his way into the Ashes side but a failure here could hurt those chances.