Jonny Bairstow might replace Jason Roy says, skipper Eoin Morgan

England skipper Eoin Morgan has indicated that Jonny Bairstow is likely to replace the out of form Jason Roy for the first semi-final of Champions Trophy against Pakistan at Cardiff. Roy has been in poor form for some time now and it continued throughout the group stages despite being backed by the team management.But it looks like he is set to lose his place as it is the knockout game and England don’t want to leave any stone unturned.

But it looks like he is set to lose his place as it is the knockout game and England don’t want to leave any stone unturned.

“There’s a chance that we could make a change,” England skipper said, “obviously we don’t announce the team until the toss – but there’s a chance there could be a change. I mentioned after the last game that we’re getting to the business end of the tournament and we need to produce results, so it’s important that we get what we feel is our best XI to win the tournament out tomorrow in order to win the game,” Morgan was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

Morgan was all praise when asked about Jonny Bairstow and his approach towards the game. “Jonny’s qualities are that he’s a fantastic batsman. I think his best attribute, certainly in white ball cricket over the last year and a half, has been his relentless attitude to score runs regardless of the situation.”

“When you have guys sitting on the sidelines they can get a little bit upset and that can affect their performance when the actual chance comes along, but that doesn’t seem to affect Jonny,” Morgan said.

Bairstow deserves a chance to be in the playing XI as he has been in scintillating form scoring three fifties in his last 4 innings. By contrast, Roy has averaged a mere 6.37 in last eight ODI innings this season. Bairstow also played a match winning knock of 83* off just 60 deliveries while chasing a stiff target against New Zealand at Durham in a series decider.

Bairstow might open the innings

“I’d have no worries if he has to open the batting. I certainly believe we’re in good position at the moment as a batting unit and if Jonny does get the opportunity, I’m sure he’ll take it with both hands,” Morgan said, when asked if there is any chance of Bairstow opening the innings.

Bairstow has not opened in the international cricket previously but he has done it in List A cricket, albeit only eight times. He achieved his highest score of 174 for Yorkshire against Durham last month from that position. Bairstow looks set to replace Roy at the top of the order and if that happens England’s batting would be strengthened even further. The hosts will face Pakistan in the first semi-final of what has been an enthralling Champions Trophy.