England’s new pace sensation Toby Roland-Jones has made it clear that he would not rest on the past laurels and would start from scratch in the upcoming Test against South Africa at Old Trafford. The Middlesex bowler enjoyed a dream start in becoming the first England seamer since Graham Onions, in 2009, to claim a five-for on Test debut as he rocked South Africa’s top-order with a stunning bowling display.
He dismissed South Africa’s top-four batsmen in the first innings to leave them reeling at 47 for 4. The sensational spell paved the way for England’s massive 239-run win as South Africa were bowled out for just 175 in the first innings. In the second innings too, Roland Jones took three wickets to finish with match figures of 8 for 129. But despite the brilliant performance on his debut, the right-arm pacer has not been swayed away and is just focusing on the final match of the series.
“I approach every game in the same way. I’m someone who looks to be as simplistic as possible in the way that I approach and my processes for bowling,” Roland-Jones said in Manchester on Wednesday (August 2). “It’s a case of reverting back to type, starting from scratch again and hopefully doing what I can to try and help the team win up here at Old Trafford.
“(It was) nice to have a day or so just to process everything. Obviously winning a game in any England side is always going to be a pretty special feeling on debut. From a personal point of view, it was pretty exciting game to be a part of and I was pretty happy with the way that I performed,” he added.
Roland-Jones further said that he learnt a lot by just being involved with the side in the first two Tests.
“I was involved in the first two Tests from the outside and it was great to see the boys go about their business, to dig the toes in and learn a little bit from that,” he said.
“There’s a lot of experience in that dressing room. It’s crucial to ensure to enjoy the times you have but also it’s equally crucial to ensure that you are ready for the task at hand. It’s now time to focus on the task at hand starting from practice today and prepare as best we can,” he added.
England, meanwhile, will be aiming to win or draw the last Test to register its first series win against the Proteas at home. The hosts are currently leading the four-match series 2-1.