Roy falls victim to ruthless side of sport: UK selector

LONDON, Sept 18 (AFP): Jason Roy fell victim to "the ruthless side of sport" when he was axed from England's World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament, selector Luke Wright said on Monday.

The powerful opening batter was named in a provisional group of 15 players for the tournament in India but the combination of his own injury problems, Dawid Malan's outstanding form and the growing claims of Harry Brook have cost him his place.

Back spasms ruled Roy out of the recent series against New Zealand, which England won 3-1, meaning he was unable to make a case for himself.

Roy averages nearly 40 in 116 50-over one-day internationals.

"It's not a decision we've taken lightly," said Wright. "In the early squad, we had him down for opening the batting with Jonny Bairstow in the World Cup... but things happen in sport, injuries happen.