Morgan: Compo and Finn will deliver on big stage
EOIN MORGAN has backed Nick Compton and Steven Finn to overcome their respective slumps in form during next week’s final Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.
England’s one-day captain feels for both of his Middlesex teammates following a tough start to the summer. But he believes a home Test at Lord’s, starting on Thursday, will inspire the pair to perform.
Compton has been under pressure all summer and needs runs next week to prolong his Test future after scoring nought, nine and 22 not out during his three innings in the opening two Tests against Sri Lanka at Headingley and Durham.
The No. 3 batsman’s lack of form is illustrated by the fact his highest score in any cricket this calendar year is 45. But Morgan insisted: “Compo came out and said he needs to score runs. He wants to be one of the main contributors in the side and batting at No3 obviously you need to be able to do that.
“He’s built a lot of confidence over the years churning out runs in county cricket. It’s not ideal, he’s only batted three times in two Tests, but being not out in that last game will do his confidence the world of good coming into Lord’s this week.”
Finn admitted he was lacking in rhythm and confidence during the Durham Test, a match that saw him take 1-93 across both Sri Lankan innings. He is likely to retain his place in England’s XI for Lord’s ahead of Nottinghamshire seamer Jake Ball. And Morgan said: “Yes, he does rely on confidence. I’ve known the guy since he was 14 years old. Playing the role he does, his role is to bowl quick and it’s not easy to do. You can’t just have it on tap. It comes with putting in hard yards and not trying too hard and finding rhythm, as bowlers call it. And trusting yourself sometimes when you don’t go through a great stage and it doesn’t come off too well.” Morgan also paid tribute to Test captain Alastair Cook’s achievement of scoring 10,000 runs in the longest form of the game, saying:“It’s unbelievable, isn’t it? Absolutely ridiculous. And he could still play for another five or six years if he has the drive and determination to. “Playing with him and even against him at Essex, he’s a guy you admire, someone you want to be like, with his work ethic and the example he sets for everybody. It’s relentless.” England begin a fivematch one-day series against Sri Lanka after the Lord’s Test. That starts a run of 30 ODIs in 12 months for Morgan’s men leading into the Champions Trophy on home soil next summer. And it is a tournament Morgan believes England should go into expecting to win. “I certainly believe there should be an expectation there,” he said.“The sooner we have expectation, the better.”