Oval Invincibles name Jason Roy as stand-in captain in Sam Billings' absence

England batter Jason Roy has been named the stand-in captain of Oval Invincibles for their game against Northern Superchargers in the ongoing The Hundred. Their assigned skipper Sam Billings will be missing the game on August 11, Thursday, as he would play for England Lions against South Africa in Canterbury.

Will Jacks, who had been the obvious replacement for Billings, will also be involved in the fixture against South Africa. And this would also be the first time Roy will lead a side in his professional career. His former captaincy experience includes matches in non-first-class and second-team cricket against Oxford MCCU from about nine years ago.

It’s an honour to lead the team: Jason Roy

“I was delighted to be asked to captain the guys and am relishing the extra responsibility,” Roy was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “Although it’s only for one game, it’s an honour to lead the team.”

Billings heaped praises on Roy, saying that the opening batter is the kind of player to stick with. “He’s the kind of player you really do just stick with. Because when it does click, wow,” Sam Billings said. “Him and Jacks at the top of the order, that’s as good an opening partnership, in my opinion, in the tournament.”

Meanwhile, Superchargers batter Harry Brook will also miss the fixture due to his involvement in the Lions’ game, and has been replaced in the squad by Northamptonshire batting all-rounder Saif Zaib for the time being. They have also reportedly found a replacement for fast bowler Matthew Potts, who will leave for national duty, in the form of Warwickshire pacer Craig Miles. 

South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell will also link up with Superchargers for the last two group games once the star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo leaves for the Caribbean Premier League. Invincibles currently stand fourth in the table with one win in two games in The Hundred 2022. 

Superchargers, on the other hand, also have the same record and stand one place below Invincibles. Eoin Morgan’s London Spirit are the table-toppers with two wins in as many games, followed by Trent Rockets who also have the same record.