STOKES CAN STEER ENGLAND TO GLORY
Morgan backs Stokes
EOIN MORGAN is backing Ben Stokes to play a key role in England’s bid for their first global 50-over trophy.
All-rounder Stokes faces an early-morning fitness test on his left knee to see whether he can bowl in England’s Group A Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh at The Oval.
But after seeing Stokes charging in during practice yesterday, skipper Morgan says he is expecting the medical staff to give him the thumbs-up.
“If he only came in and bowled three overs it’s still huge, but obviously the form he’s in at the moment it’s literally like having two players,” Morgan said.
“But he’s pulled up really well. The best preparation is he doesn’t feel anything today and in the morning, nothing swells up and he doesn’t feel stiff and is fit to bowl.
“I envisage him being fit to bowl, I don’t see any complications but I don’t want to put him under a huge amount of pressure to bowl 10.
“We have guys who can impact a game as much as he can, particularly with the pace we have got. But you always look to him for a minimum of five.”
Morgan (inset) was in confident mood on the eve of a tournament that sees his side going in as favourites.
He took the opportunity to end speculation that Jonny Bairstow might yet be parachuted in at the expense of the struggling Jason Roy.
The Surrey opener has reached double figures just once in his last five innings for England, but Morgan is backing his ability to get England off to a flier.
“Jonny will miss out unfortunately,” Morgan added. “He’s been very good when he’s come in, but each and every one of us within the batting department has had ups and downs over the years.
“One of the strongest parts of reinforcing the way that we play and the freedom in which we play with is backing that up with selection. Jason will definitely play. And the decision remains the same throughout the tournament. I cannot see it changing.”