Jason Roy: World Cricket's Batsman of the Month, September 2015

With such a dearth of international fixtures during the month, it was tough to find world cricket’s batsman of the month for September, but England’s Jason Roy takes the prize.

Opening the innings for England during their home one-day international series against Australia, Roy looked in impressive touch as he passed 50 twice and 30 on four occasions.

He made his runs at a brisk pace and gave his side just the start they wanted in the opening stages of the innings, which was particularly useful given Alex Hales’ lack of form alongside him.

The away side may have taken an overall victory in the series by a 3-2 margin, but Roy assured himself of his place in England’s ODI side for at least the time being.

They have long lacked an opener capable of taking the attack to the opposition bowlers, but in Roy they seem to have unearthed such a player.

And, with their lineup in Tests far from certain, if he can put together some strong performances in future series, he may well force his way in to the team in the longest form.

September Performance Summary

Runs	Opponent	Match Type	Venue	Date
67	Australia	ODI	Southampton	Sept. 3
31	Australia	ODI	Lord's	Sept. 5
63	Australia	ODI	Old Trafford	Sept. 8
36	Australia	ODI	Headingley	Sept. 11
4	Australia	ODI	Old Trafford	Sept. 13

Standout Performance

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Roy’s best performance of September came in the first ODI in Southampton, as he made 67 from 64 balls, albeit as England lost by 59 runs.

Chasing 306, the opener blazed along at better than a run a ball, and his 11 boundary fours show he was willing to play his shots and put pressure on the bowlers.

For a time, it looked as though he and James Taylor would take England to victory, but it is telling how important his knock was as the hosts fell apart after he was out.

Roy skewed one off Glenn Maxwell and was caught with ease by David Warner at point, leaving England 112 for two in just 17.5 overs.

However, they could not capitalise and were left to lament a wasted opportunity to go 1-0 up in the series.

For Roy, it was an impressive contribution and the start of a strong month.

The Next Few Months

Roy is not involved in the Tests against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, but he will expect to be heavily involved in the subsequent ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals, which follow in November.

Afterwards, he will most likely travel to South Africa for the five ODIs and two Twenty20Is against the Proteas in February before the World T20 in India.

Then, just a short while later will be the start of another international summer in England, so there will be plenty to occupy Roy with in limited-overs international cricket.