Morgan happy in roving role after latest masterclass

EOIN MORGAN says he feels as comfortable at the crease as he ever has done after starring in England ’ s f ive- wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Twenty20 international at Emirates Old Trafford.

The England captain struck a belligerent 66 from 33 balls as Pakistan’s 195 for four was overhauled with five balls to spare, putting the hosts 1- 0 up in the series ahead final match.

Morgan is averaging 48.4 with a strike- rate of 174.1 in the 14 T20s he has played for England since the start of last year, and the Irishman put his form down to the security he feels in his role.

“Even before the series started, within T20 cricket in the last two years in internationals and some domestic are my best numbers to date which is great,” Morgan said.

“If I can combine a little bit of of tomorrow’s that with experience that will go a long way – certainly when I’m moving up and down the order between four and six – to try to win a game.

“Before I became captain, jumping up and down the order I didn’t feel that comfortable with it, but now that it’s my decision I feel more at ease.”

Dawid Malan played an important supporting role in a 112- run stand with Morgan, who was dismissed with 18 still required from the final three overs, after an opening stand of 66 from Jonny Bairstow and Tom Banton.

Malan registered his seventh 50- plus score in 12 T20 international innings and hit the winning runs to finish unbeaten on 54 from 36 balls, but his place in the side is far from assured. England have an enviable array of top- order batsmen, and Jos Buttler could be among several Test stars who return for the series against Australia which starts next week. England’s selectors were meeting last night to discuss the squads for that limitedovers series, with three T20s followed by three one- day internationals next month.

Pacemen Jofra Archer and Mark Wood may join Buttler in the T20 squad, and the trio potentially subjecting themselves to the bio- secure protocols so soon after escaping the bubble is a source of pride for Morgan.

“The fact some of them want to come back and play is great, particularly after being in the bio- secure environment for so long,” he said.