Ashes: Jason Roy passes concussion test but Ollie Pope travels to Leeds as precaution
Ollie Pope will travel to Headingley ahead of the third Ashes Test despite Jason Roy being passed fit to play after suffering a blow to the head.
The England opener took the hit in a training session before the five-day Test match, which commences on Thursday, after a throw-down from former international Marcus Trescothick.
The 29-year-old passed the first of his concussion tests but will face another on the morning of the match, according to the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Roy’s hit was particularly alarming in a week which saw Jofra Archer hit Australia talisman Steven Smith on the back of the neck.
The former captain of the visiting side was immediately floored by the delivery and forced to retire hurt - before passing a concussion test.
He eventually came back to the crease and displayed signs of uncharacteristic batting before being trapped LBW by Chris Woakes on 92.
Smith awoke the following day with concussion symptoms, which ruled him out of the remainder of the second Test - and subsequently the third.
With the potentially delayed complications of concussion fresh in mind, Roy will undergo a further check before the Test begins, but is expected to take his place at the top of the order.
Roy was not the only player to be hit on the helmet on Tuesday as both sides build their readiness against the short ball, with Marnus Labuschagne – Smith’s replacement in the last match – struck by team-mate Mitchell Marsh.
Featured from our writers
