Morgan hails ruthless England
Eoin Morgan congratulated his England team on their response to off-field distractions as they closed out an impressive 4-0 Royal London Series win over West Indies.
Jonny Bairstow’s second century, in only five innings so far since being promoted to open in one-day internationals, eased England to a nine-wicket victory at the Ageas Bowl last night.
He put on 156 with his opening partner Jason Roy, who added 96 here to the 84 he made on his own ODI return on his home ground at The Oval two days ago, before Joe Root helped Bairstow (141no, with 17 boundaries) complete the romp with 12 overs to spare in pursuit of 288-6.
Morgan cited not just this performance, in England’s last match of their longest ever summer schedule, but success in their penultimate fixture too when there was still a series to be won from 2-0 up with two to play.
Both fixtures were played against the stressful backdrop of Ben Stokes’ arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm, and between matches the England and Wales Cricket Board suspended the all-rounder and ODI opener Alex Hales from future internationals until further notice.
Morgan said: “I think probably the most convincing thing about the last couple of days, and the distractions that have gone on, was the win at The Oval.
“It was a chance to win the series.
“Everything that had happened was quite fresh, and everybody had known about it for the last couple of days.
“So to produce a performance like that in such a tight game obviously meant a huge amount to the side.”
England had to raise one last effort on the south coast too, and did so. “Today had the potential to be quite a lethargic performance,” added Morgan.
“But the determination and ruthlessness that everybody showed throughout the day was outstanding.
“To come to the end of a long year for us ... with guys who have played a huge amount of cricket, to produce a performance like that was outstanding.”
Morgan has been impressed throughout with the reaction of his team to such vexed circumstances.
“It’s been made very easy,” he said.
“Jonny has thoroughly taken his chance, with the opportunities he’s had, and he’s been a huge role model within the changing room, [showing] you don’t take your position lightly in this side.
“We’re spoiled for choice with the batsmen we have on offer – guys missing out as well. [Jason] had been brilliant (too). It’s not easy coming in for two games, and he has put in two imposing performances.”