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2019 Ashes: Jason Roy could struggle in Test cricket, says Australia's Josh Hazlewood

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Jason Roy, England, Test debut vs Ireland at Lord's
Image: Jason Roy made his debut in Test cricket opening the batting against Ireland at Lord's

Australia paceman Josh Hazlewood has cranked up the pressure on Jason Roy ahead of the Ashes, reminding the England batsman about the perils of transferring his one-day mindset to the Test arena.

Roy's credentials in white-ball cricket are unquestioned, with his fearless, aggressive style crucial in his side's triumphant World Cup campaign, but his ability to repeat that success in the five-day format is not yet certain.

England selectors were clearly cautious, picking the 29-year-old for 84 ODIs before sending him out in whites for the first time against Ireland last week.

Debuting as an opener, he made just five in the first innings - and could have been out three times - before striking 72 from number three in the second, nightwatchman Jack Leach having seen off the new ball.

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Hazlewood is one of the touring seamers lining up for the chance to examine Roy's technique, starting with the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Thursday. He believes Australia one-day captain Aaron Finch's experiences should act as a warning to Roy.

Finch is a limited-overs star at the top of the order but was dropped from the longer format last year after making just 278 runs across 10 innings.

"We'll see how Roy goes in Test cricket. He has only played one Test match and it's a lot different opening the batting in a Test than a one-day game, that's for sure," said Hazlewood.

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"In England, opening is probably the toughest place to bat which probably made Alastair Cook's record all the better. To play attacking cricket in those conditions is tough.

"Finch found it tough last summer against a quality India attack on wickets that didn't do too much to be honest. I think he found it a big step up. He found the ball swung and seamed around and the wickets were a lot different to a one-day wicket.

"He'd played a lot of his four-day cricket at five or six and I think Roy is the same at Surrey. It's hard to bat five at a level below and then open in Test cricket. We'll see."

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 24: Josh Hazlewood of Australia during day 3 of the 3rd Sunfoil Test match between South Africa and Australia at PPC Newlands on March 24, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
Image: Josh Hazlewood is relishing the prospect of bowling to Jason Roy during the Ashes

Asked if he had a plan in place should he come head to head with Roy, Hazlewood was emphatic: "Oh for sure. I think just stick to the basics of Test cricket."

Hazlewood watched with interest as Ireland dismissed England for just 85 in the first innings at Lord's in a nervy victory for the hosts, but is aware that the total can increase just as frantically as the wickets column where Joe Root's side are concerned.

"Yeah, I watched a little bit of the Ireland game. I always love seeing wickets instead of runs," he said.

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"They do play a few shots. Things can move pretty quickly one way or the other. If you're not on your game the runs can pile on and vice-versa - if you're on you can take a few wickets and put them under pressure."

Watch England take on Australia, live on Sky Sports Cricket (channel 404) and Sky Sports Main Event (channel 401) from 10am on Thursday.

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