Shane Warne Tips Toby Roland-Jones Could Shine In Upcoming Ashes If Inducted In England Squad
Apr 6, 2019 at 2:11 PM
Former Australian star bowler Shane Warne has backed the Test debutant Toby Roland-Jones of England while stating the fast bowler could play a crucial role for visitors owing to the pitches in Australia, in upcoming Ashes which is scheduled in November. (Read Here: England Vs South Africa 2017, 3rd Test: This Is The Moment That Every Young Kid Dreams Of – Toby Roland-Jones).
“Today he’s [Roland-Jones] had a day out, conditions have suited him. They’ve been perfect – overcast with lights and the ball nipping around,” Warne was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.
While revealing to the media, Warne – the cricketer-turned-commentator – was commentating during the third Test between England and South Africa at The Kia Oval, when he saw right-arm fast bowler ripping apart the top-order of the Proteas.
The spectacular opening spell saw Roland-Jones claiming 4 wickets for just 22 runs; as he went on to pick wickets of Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn, Hashim Amla and wicketkeeper batsman Roland-Jones
The spin wizard Warne has predicted that Roland-Jones could thrive with the cherry in Australian conditions where pitches prove helpful for the fast bowlers owing to the pace and bounce.
“The last couple of seasons they’ve left a lot more grass on the pitches so the ball does move a little,” Warne added.
On the very second day of the third Test, Roland Jones punched above his weight with the ball by making full use of the pitch while making himself as one of the contenders for the traditional series which further saw all-rounder Ben Stokes smashing brilliant hundred to put the hosts in command.
The 47-year-old leg-spinner reiterated that the newly-introduced bowler Roland-Jones is a sort of backup play for the premier fast bowler James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
“It’s all about the role in the side and Toby Roland-Jones’s role in this side is to back up (Stuart) Broad and (Jimmy) Anderson,” Warne maintained.
The Victoria-born Warne has praised the efforts of Roland-Jones while stating if the former would replicate his performance, as he is bound to fare well in the foreseeable future owing to the extra carry in Australia.
“He might have to do a few more harder yards on the hard pitches of Australia, but if he bowls like he did this afternoon, on a length, he’ll do well and he’ll like the extra bounce on Australian pitches,” Warne asserted.
Interestingly, Roland-Jones came as a replacement in the third Test of the four-match Investec series for fast bowler Mark Wood, who is nursing heel injury.
Moreover, it was Roland-Jones’ show which put the hosts in command, in the ongoing Test, as the series is already levelled at 1-1.
In the County season, Roland-Jones played a pivotal role to help his side Middlesex – to lift the title after claiming a hat-trick against Yorkshire in 2016 at iconic Lords.
Roland-Jones was handed over a five-day debut, following two successful County seasons on his back.
He has featured in a solitary One-day International, as he picked a wicket of Hashim Amla at Lord’s in May, this year after scoring unbeaten 37.