Stone forces Morgan into juggling act
ENGLAND captain Eoin Morgan has admitted the emergence of paceman Olly Stone has piled more pressure on his man-management skills ahead of the World Cup.
Stone made an eye-catching start to his international career in Saturday’s second ODI in Dambulla and, even though it was only his first bowl at the highest level, his pace and skill has got plenty of people excited.
But Morgan knows that if Stone goes on to make an irresistible bid for World Cup selection next summer then someone else will have to miss out – a contest he and the coaches need to manage carefully.
Fellow speedster Mark Wood has already voiced his fears about failing to make the final squad, saying: “The key is not being too disappointed if you are left out.”
But with the Curran brothers Tom and Sam, plus Liam Plunkett, David Willey, Stone and Wood fighting over a maximum of four spots, the race to impress is underway.
“Helping guys who miss out is a big part of the job,” said Morgan. “That goes for everyone who missed out in Dambulla.
“[Batsman] Alex Hales is a prime example of someone who would be in most teams in the world.
“The two Curran brothers, it’s the same thing, they are devastated. They all want to play but that can’t be the case. It’s trying to get into a frame of mind where you’re waiting around for an opportunity but not spending too much negative energy on not playing.
“I get a lot of help from the back-room staff with that.
“The fact Olly bowls with the new ball gives him an extra string to his bow and I don’t think you can disregard him from the World Cup picture.”
For Stone it has been a whirlwind year after recovering from serious injury, playing last winter in Perth where he got the chance to bowl at England players in the nets, before enjoying a breakout summer for Warwickshire.
And the 25-year-old who regularly tops 90 miles per hour was on a huge high following his first bowl and wicket for England, now with an eye firmly on crashing the World Cup party.
“I’d love to make it to the World Cup,” said Stone. “I’ve come into this tour not really knowing what to expect and there is an opportunity to try to put your foot in the door and hopefully from these few games I can show what I can do.
“It was great to run in and bash a length, and it is always a nice feeling to see batsmen ducking and diving. It is sort of a dream come true.
“It’s been a whirlwind few months and I’m just loving it.”