Jason Roy backed to be success as England opener against Australia as Ashes begin
JASON ROY can be a success as England's opener during the Ashes as the series begins in Edgbaston today.
That's according to England hero Matthew Hoggard, who was part of the Three Lions team that won the 2005 Ashes.
Roy has played just one Test, featuring against Ireland last week in a topsy-turvy encounter.
The Surrey batsman has forced his way into England's Test set-up after thriving at the top of the order against the white ball.
Roy played a key role as England won the World Cup for the first time recently and is now set to open the batting alongside Rory Burns.
He can't do any worse than any of the other openers that have been out there
Joe Root is now set to come in at three, moving up one spot from his favoured position, with Joe Denly at four.
And Hoggard believes Roy can impress given his record of scoring runs quickly.
Hoggard, speaking as SportNation.bet's Ashes ambassador, told Express Sport: "He can't do any worse than any of the other openers that have been out there!
"Alastair Cook went through so many then he retired without a replacement being found for his partner.
"Now there's two we haven't got so there is two spots still up for grabs.
"We haven't got one, two and three sorted. That is the be all and end all.
"You have to find a way of scoring runs before those wickets fall."
Australia bowler Josh Hazlewood had questioned whether Roy has the ability to make the step up into Test cricket.
But the man himself is confident he can thrive.
Roy said: "Josh Hazlewood has made me really feel part of an Ashes series already though with a few comments this week.
"But he hasn’t said anything untoward or rude or anything like that, he’s just said that Test cricket is a step up and he’s right.
"He’s basically stating the obvious, he hasn’t come out and said anything disrespectful.
"It’s all fine, I’m not shying away from the fact that there will most likely be some digs throughout the series. That’s what Ashes cricket is about.
"I’ve had a lot of stuff said to me in the past from opposition players, from the media, everyone and it is perfect coming into an Ashes after going through all that sort of stuff. It’s just water off a duck’s back, to be honest."
Matthew Hoggard is SportNation.bet's Ashes ambassador this summer. For the best enhanced offers throughout the series and Hoggy's top tips, visit https://www.sportnation.bet/sports/enhanced-odds/enhanced-cricket/. Please gamble responsibly 18+