Opening batsman Jason Roy struck a near century as England welcomed a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Monday’s World Cup warm-up fixture at The Oval in London.
Three wickets each from fast bowler Jofra Archer and Joe Root limited Afghanistan to 160 all out in 38.4 overs, after which Roy’s unbeaten 89 ensured triumph with all of 195 deliveries to spare.
The Durban-born Roy’s stay spanned a mere 46 deliveries – and featured 11 fours and a quartet of sixes. He was well supported by fellow opener Jonny Bairstow’s 39 and Root’s unbeaten 29.
The right-handed Roy has relished a superb stretch of form lately, having struck 87, 76 and 114 against Pakistan in England’s ODI series against Pakistan earlier this month.
Fast bowler Mark Wood, meanwhile, has been declared fit for England’s World Cup opening fixture against South Africa at the same venue on Thursday.
Wood hurt a foot during last week’s warm-up defeat to Australia at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. Scans, however, revealed no serious injury.
The Proteas are waiting on the fitness of fast bowler Dale Steyn, who is nursing a shoulder injury sustained during a stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.
Steyn did not bowl in the warm-ups against Sri Lanka and the West Indies. The Proteas won the former fixture, while the latter was washed out after less than 13 overs.
Photo: Gallo Images
