Morgan says England can challenge for T20 glory
FORMER England captain Eoin Morgan has “100 per cent faith” the side can revive their fortunes in time for the T20 World Cup.
England on Sunday slipped to their joint-heaviest defeat in the 20-over format – a 90-run loss to South Africa in Southampton – to end a challenging summer without a home white-ball series win.
Morgan retired from the international scene in shock fashion shortly after the appointment of new limited-overs head coach Matthew Mott in May, before star all-rounder Ben Stokes subsequently quit ODIs.
The 35-year-old has backed his former side – now under the captaincy of Jos Buttler – to overcome a tricky transitional phase to be in contention for this autumn’s World Cup in Australia.
“There’s a reason I had these theories about me missing out games and giving leadership to guys like Jos, Moeen (Ali), Chris Jordan and Sam Billings – whoever it might have been – to try and plan and strategise for when I leave or get injured or can’t play, simply because you have to crisis-plan,” said Morgan, speaking at the launch of KP Snacks’ summer cricket roadshow at The Black Prince Trust near The Oval.
“I have 100 per cent faith that things will turn around again.
“There’s a transition regardless, even if you’re the best side in the world. They are still winning games. When I first started, we couldn’t win a game.”
England last month suffered 2-1 T20 and ODI losses to India, before Stokes’ decision to quit the 50-over game was followed by a drawn ODI series and T20 defeat to South Africa. They have a seven-week break before returning to white-ball action during the forthcoming tour of Pakistan, ahead of beginning their World Cup campaign on October 22 against Afghanistan in Perth.
Asked about major areas requiring improvement, Morgan said: “Jos alluded to it the other day: our strength has always been our batting. The team has been built around that we bat to number nine. But there’s no good having nine guys who can bat if you’re not playing with intent.”