Morgan agrees top six looks inked in

Eoin Morgan can provide little encouragement to Yorkshire’s Jonny Bairstow that his series-clinching runs against Ireland may yet earn him a place in England’s first-choice Champions Trophy XI.

It was Bairstow’s blistering, unbeaten 72 from 44 balls at Lord’s on Sunday – including 22 from the last five deliveries he faced – which put England out of sight, after Morgan and Joe Root also hit 50s.

But reflecting on the 2-0 Royal London Series victory, and pondering England’s plans for next month’s Champions Trophy on home soil, Morgan appears to see Bairstow’s initial role in the mini-World Cup as cover for others in the 15-man squad.

Bairstow was disappointed to lose the wicketkeeping gloves to Sam Billings against Ireland, in the absence of Jos Buttler at the Indian Premier League, but responded by continuing his compelling form as a batsman.

Even so, with Buttler, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes due back from India next week in time for three oneday internationals against South Africa, it seems the Yorkshireman’s patience will be tested again.

Morgan said: “It is looking like [England’s top six is inked in] at the moment – which is unfortunate for him.

“You can’t guarantee how often he would be used. We’ve a really strong batting lineup, particularly when Stokes, Woakes and Buttler come back in. I’m not sure about justifying an out-and-out batter at seven.”