Jason Roy rocks back in his chair and cannot suppress a telling grin as he takes a moment to consider what it is like to play cricket in front of a packed crowd at the Kia Oval.
From bashing helpless bowlers to all corners of the ground for a career-highlight century to receiving the “warmth” of the crowd when fielding on the boundary, the England opener is passionate about a venue he has been involved with for more than 11 years.
“It’s different level, it just feels like everyone is on top of you,” said Roy, who carved 162 against Sri Lanka at the famous London ground earlier this summer.
“Especially so when the first innings has finished and everyone has had a few liveners in the crowd and a few beers have gone down. It’s an incredible place to play cricket and as my home – I’ve been watching and playing cricket here since I was about 10 years old – it’s going to be amazing to be playing here again next summer.
“When you’re fielding on the boundary there can be a few groups who give you a bit of a spray but it’s all fun and the spectators here are amazing. The support over the last year has been phenomenal.”
The Surrey man is eyeing England’s Champions Trophy campaign next June, when six months of white-ball emphasis comes to a climax with 18 days of competition against the eight best 50-over teams in the world.
England's tournament opener against Bangladesh on 1 June is at the Oval, with five further matches scheduled at the south London venue, including the Champions Trophy Final on Sunday 18 June.
After the imminent trip to Bangladesh, England face India, the West Indies, Ireland and South Africa in ODI series next year to be battle-hardened for the showpiece on home soil.
“Next year there are plenty of opportunities to fine-tune ourselves for the big stage, we’ve put a lot of emphasis on coming into the Champions Trophy all guns blazing,” Roy said.
“We’ve not yet had a complete performance. There were a couple of games that have been incredible – we scored that 444 and broke records left, right and centre – but we still haven’t put that full match together which is needed to go ahead and win a tournament.”
Roy was outstanding for England at the most recent global event, blasting three game-changing contributions in the charge to the World T20 final in India last spring.
His 16-ball 43 as England chased down 230 for victory against South Africa and 44-ball 78 in the semi final against New Zealand will live long in the memory of all who witnessed them.
Roy believes the intensity of tournament cricket suits the mindset of this England team, who relish the contest and go out to make things happen.
“There was a lot of cricket in a short space of time in India and I think the boys handled it really well; we loved it,” he added. “I think the intensity helped our group because we got our heads down and nailed it.
“We got ourselves into a couple of tough situations and managed to get out of it. There was the South Africa game and even the Afghanistan game where we were four down for nothing off six overs and really struggling.
“I wouldn’t say we can get ourselves out of any situation but I think we’re getting to the point where are putting ourselves in winning positions. We don’t leave it to anyone else and take the responsibility on ourselves.”
The 2017 Champions Trophy ticket ballot is open until 8pm BST on Friday 30 September, so register your interest now.