Morgan hit with ban because of dawdling bowlers

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ENGLAND’S go-slow bowlers have cost captain Eoin Morgan his place in tomorrow’s ODI in Nottingham.

He has been banned for one match by the ICC because it took four hours to complete 50 overs in Bristol, 30 minutes above the limit.

It was the second overrate offence for Morgan (left) following a warning in Barbados in February, triggering an automatic suspension to go with a 40 per cent match-fee fine. Jos Buttler returns and will be skipper having been rested for Tuesday’s six-wicket win over Pakistan.

Morgan will have to wait until the opening World Cup clash with South Africa on May 30 to make his 200th ODI appearance for England.

The absence of spinner Adil Rashid, and Moeen Ali and Joe Denly being used sparingly on Tuesday, were among reasons for the lengthy innings, but the lack of discipline from the quicker bowlers to get through their overs must be a concern, especially if it costs Morgan during the tournament.

“It felt a bit longer,” admitted Chris Woakes, who claimed 4-67. “We probably were a little slow, we could have quicker.

“But when the ball’s disappearing to the fence, sometimes you need to reassess and take that extra minute to decide what your plan is going to be and execute it. But it needs to be shorter than that.

“Of course you don’t want to lose the captain, particularly in the form he’s in. We can deal with it, we obviously have some exceptional players on the sidelines but losing Morgs would be a huge loss for a game.”

Jonny Bairstow was given a demerit point for hitting the stumps in frustration at getting out for 128. got through a bit