Condition of pitch to blame for loss, says Morgan

EOIN MORGAN criticised a grassy Lord’s pitch after England slumped to 20 for six en route to defeat by South Africa. After a string of games in which they have passed 300 more often than not, England appeared to hit the buffers ahead of Thursday’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh at The Oval. But while Morgan admitted their performance was a ‘nice reminder that we need to keep our feet on the ground’, he insisted his side’s collapse would have little bearing on their chances of lifting the trophy. ‘What cost us was the first hour,’ he said. ‘There was lots of live green grass on the wicket, but South Africa bowled beautifully. They didn’t give us anything to hit and, if they did, we managed to nick it. ‘I don’t think it was a one-day international wicket, to be honest. I’d be disappointed if we see one like it in the Champions Trophy, because any side that bats first has the potential to lose the game. To win or lose on the toss in a major tournament is hard to take.’ The England captain also backed opener Jason Roy — who has not passed 20 in his last six ODIs — despite another half-century for Jonny Bairstow. ‘It’s the hardest thing telling Jonny he’s not playing,’ said Morgan. ‘But Jason is our No 1 pick at the moment. Him and (Alex) Hales have been our one and two for a while.’ Morgan also eased fears about England’s injury concerns, saying Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali would all be fit for Thursday. Stokes today faces another scan on his left knee, but Morgan said he could have played and was rested only to give him another day off.