Jason Roy on the highs and lows of England's white-ball series in India, Test ambitions and the IPL
Friday 3 February 2017 22:59, UK
Jason Roy looks back at a disappointing end to England’s white-ball series in India and why it has not dented their confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy...
The defeat in Bangalore was a disappointing way to end our tour of India. But, as cricketers, we just have to put it to the back of our minds and focus on the next game.
We can't dwell on what's happened, we just have to realise where we need to be better and when those situations come about again, we have to more ruthless, relentless and capitalise.
That's what the best teams in the world do and we want to be the best team in the world, so that's what we have to do.
We got ourselves in good positions to win games throughout the series, both in the ODIs and T20Is, but I don't think we were clinical enough to convert those good starts or good periods into winning games.
Going into our next series in the West Indies, we need to be more ruthless in those situations because teams like India - when they're given a sniff - will punish you.
We were beaten by a very strong side and best thing to do now is to forget about it. The white-ball squad is a great group, we love each other's company and we love playing for, and with, each other.
That's why I think the Champions Trophy is something that we're confident about. We're playing some really good cricket, we're a strong group and we're working really hard. I feel as if we bring the best out of each other and long may it continue.
Of course, cricket is a funny old game and you don't know what is going to happen but we'll go into the tournament, at home, full of confidence.
On a personal note, I'm pleased with the mental state that I'm in with my batting, I've been able to start well and convert small scores into medium. But those medium scores have to become big scores to win games, I guess. I wouldn't say I'm happy, I'm content - there or thereabouts with my batting - I just need a big score.
Come the summer, the red ball stuff is something I want to do well in and push for a Test place. But as I've said before, as long as I'm scoring runs and working hard, that will look after itself. I just have to bide my time and score my runs.
Before then though, there is plenty of white-ball cricket to focus on.
I like to keep going and keep myself ticking over. Even if I was staying in England, I'd be netting and training every day with Surrey, but the best practice is match practice and I should have plenty of that coming up.
I'm in the auction for the IPL and, if I get picked up, it'll be an incredible experience for me. Getting picked up is the first step and if I am, I'll look to do as well as I can and make the most of it.
I played in the Big Bash over Christmas which was unbelievable. The crowds you get are amazing, the players are great and it helps you to manage your nerves too, which should help in the IPL.
The pitches in India are great as well, I'd love to bat more out there but it is hard to say 'I'm in good form, I'm going to score runs and win games' because you just don't know how things are going to go.
Next up for me is the Pakistan Super League and I'm looking forward to joining up with the guys out in Dubai. I've got five games over there then a couple of days back at home before I fly out to the West Indies. So a lot of cricket ahead!
