JAMES VINCE will open against Afghanistan as injured Jason Roy fights for his World Cup future.
Roy’s absence for at least two games removes a destructive component from England’s turbo-charged batting line-up and is a grievous blow to Eoin Morgan’s side.
But Alex Hales, another big-hitting batsman, has virtually zero chance of returning as a replacement after being kicked out the squad last month for taking drugs.
In fact, England are not yet considering another player because they want to give Roy as long as possible to recover.
The top two candidates would be Kent’s Joe Denly and Dawid Malan of Middlesex.
Roy’s absence from today’s match at Old Trafford will see Hampshire captain Vince at the top of the batting with Jonny Bairstow.
Roy will also miss the game against Sri Lanka at Headingley on Friday.
There is an outside chance of him being fit to face Australia at Lord’s on June 25 but that is the most optimistic forecast.
Captain Morgan said: “Jason is a huge part of what we’ve been doing. He’s in the best form of his life.
“I certainly believe Jason will play again in this tournament.
“He’s out of the next two games and will be assessed continuously over the next week.
“If he can’t play against Australia, then maybe the following game.
“We’re giving him every chance to respond to treatment and get back into the tournament. He’s a key player in career-best form. We need that Jason Roy back.”
England refused to reveal the severity of Roy’s hamstring tear. Grade one is a twinge which keeps a player out for around a week, while grade three often requires surgery.
It is believed Roy has a grade two tear which normally sidelines a player for between two and six weeks.
Roy’s recent medical history is not encouraging. He tore the same left hamstring in the West Indies earlier this year and did not play for seven weeks.
He missed a further three weeks’ cricket when he hurt his back playing for Surrey in April.
But the opener has been smashing it to all parts since returning. His scores for England this summer have been 87, 76, 114, 32, 89 not out, 54, eight and 153.
Like Roy, Morgan left the field during England’s eight-wicket win over West Indies last Friday and had to conduct his post-match media conference standing up following a back spasm.
He was sitting down yesterday though and also batted in the nets. He hopes to play against Afghanistan.
Morgan explained: “My back has drastically improved. I’ve had extensive treatment and medication — anti-inflammatories and painkillers — over the last two days and that’s helped me no end.
“It depends how I pull up in the morning but hopefully I’ll be fit to play.
“If it was any other time, we’d take a bit longer but, because it’s the World Cup, things need to be fast-forwarded. I’m happy with that — I don’t want to miss any game whether it’s Afghanistan or Australia.”
Afghanistan, who have played terribly so far in this World Cup, should present no problem for England. The pitch is the same as used for India’s win over Pakistan on Sunday.
Morgan added: “They are a dangerous side, particularly when we’re playing on a used wicket. Their strength is spinners and the pitch will lend itself to that.
“A big part of our preparation is the humility with which we go about things — an important part of trying to beat teams like Afghanistan.”
Moeen Ali is likely to return for Liam Plunkett, who missed training yesterday with an upset stomach.
ENGLAND (likely): Bairstow, Vince, Root, Morgan (capt), Stokes, Buttler (wkt), Moeen, Woakes, Rashid, Archer, Wood.
ENGLAND’S Jimmy Anderson warmed up for The Ashes by taking 5-18 from 17 overs as Lancashire skittled Derbyshire for 153 in the County Championship.
