England batsman Jason Roy has passed a concussion test after being hit in the nets ahead of the third Ashes contest at Headingley.

The 29-year-old was struck by a throw-down from former international Marcus Trescothick, who is working with the team in a temporary capacity, during practice on Tuesday.

Roy was assessed after impact and was able to continue batting, but also required a follow-up check on the eve of the match to determine any delayed symptoms.

Jason Roy has scored 40 runs in four innings against Australia
Jason Roy has scored 40 runs in four innings against Australia (Mike Egerton/PA)

Roy will undergo a further check on the morning of the match, the England and Wales Cricket Board indicated, but is now expected to take his place at the top of the order.

The issue of head injuries has become a major talking point in the series after Australia batsman Steve Smith was struck in the neck by a 92mph bouncer from Jofra Archer at Lord’s.

He was subsequently diagnosed with delayed onset concussion, becoming the first Test cricketer to be substituted for the issue, and has also been ruled out of this week’s match.

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.

Surrey’s Ollie Pope is on standby for England
Surrey’s Ollie Pope is on standby for England (Steven Paston/PA).

Surrey’s Ollie Pope will travel to Leeds, having been placed on standby in the event of Roy being ruled out.

Pope, who played two Tests last summer, has just scored an unbeaten 221 against Hampshire so arrives in ideal form.

England are not expecting Roy to miss out but, given a small percentage of concussions present themselves 48 hours after impact, all bases are being covered.

England captain Joe Root does not anticipate any deterioration in Roy’s condition, with Pope’s call-up merely a case of preparing for the worst-case scenario.

“Jason has been monitored quite closely, as you’d expect, he’s undergone a couple of concussion tests and come through them well,” he said.

“As it stands we fully expect him to be fit and ready for (Thursday).”

Head coach Trevor Bayliss said on Tuesday he felt Roy’s future was in the middle order but Root backs him to make runs at the top, despite averaging just nine in five innings.

“I obviously think he should open or he’d be batting at four,” he said.

“I feel Jason can have a really big impact at the start of the innings. It hasn’t happened yet but we fully expect him to be able to come in and do that.”

While Roy’s participation will not be confirmed until Thursday morning, both sides will have had 48 hours to prepare for Smith’s absence.

Joe Root wants England to take advantage of Steve Smith's absence
Joe Root wants England to take advantage of Steve Smith’s absence (Tim Goode/PA).

With England 1-0 down in the series, Root wants his side to take advantage.

“We had the challenge of Jimmy Anderson going down four overs into a Test (at Edgbaston) and we had to manage that without a replacement,” Root said.

“You get these swings in a series and when you get your opportunity you’ve got to jump on it. We’ve got to make sure we keep looking to exploit their techniques on these wickets.”