Former England opener says 2023 World Cup omission left him questioning trust and struggling to rediscover his love for cricket

Jason Roy has revealed the emotional toll of being dropped from England’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad, admitting the decision “took a huge chunk” out of him mentally and left lasting scars on his relationship with the game.

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Roy last played for England cricket team in March 2023 during the Bangladesh tour, where he scored his 12th international century and appeared to have revived his ODI form after a difficult period.

However, despite initially being named in England’s World Cup squad, Roy was later replaced by Harry Brook shortly before the tournament after suffering back spasms during the home series against New Zealand.

Roy said the way the situation was handled deeply affected him, especially after being reassured he remained part of England’s plans. He admitted the experience left him feeling disheartened and questioning who he could trust within the setup.

The 2019 World Cup winner also expressed disappointment over communication from the England management after the tournament, saying he only discovered he had been left out of the West Indies tour squad through social media despite being promised further conversations.

Roy’s international form had dipped after England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, but he recovered strongly in early 2023 with productive series in South Africa and Bangladesh.

Even now, Roy remains one of the fastest-scoring ODI openers in cricket history, with a strike rate above 105 — behind only Shahid Afridi and former England team-mate Jos Buttler among players with more than 4000 ODI runs.

The Surrey batter also spoke about the mental challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, describing extended isolation periods during bio-secure bubbles as deeply damaging both personally and professionally.

Now back with Surrey County Cricket Club for the Vitality Blast after stints in franchise leagues around the world, Roy says he has found better balance in life through family, coaching work and time away from international cricket.

The 35-year-old, who played 185 matches for England, acknowledged his international career is likely over but remains proud of the role he played in England’s white-ball revolution under Eoin Morgan.

Roy said the memories of helping England win the 2019 World Cup still resonate with fans, and he hopes to create a few more special moments before the end of his playing career.