It was boys versus men then but not now: Morgan

Following a humiliating loss to New Zealand at Wellington at the 2015 World cup, England team faced backlash at home. The English had been bowled out for 123.

However, England took inspiration from that New Zealand side as it tried to restructure its ODI team. The results have been for all to see as hosts England are outright favourites at Champions Trophy this year. Their opponents on Tuesday New Zealand look a far weaker side.

At the pre-match presser in Cardiff, England captain Eoin Morgan recalled that game. Asked if that World Cup loss to New Zealand was the low point, he said, “Not a low point. They were one of the favourites (in the World Cup), but it is completely different now. We have a completely new team and we have moved forward.”

Morgan added that England’s game is similar to that of New Zealand. “All teams score in excess of 350 or thereabouts. The way New Zealand play their game, it is closer to the way we go about it. They are very similar, characteristics and side. They are very easy to relate to,” the England captain added.

“Then it was Boys vs Men. Not now. We have gained confidence, played more games as individuals and together as team. We come into the tournament full of confidence and knowing the conditions. The dominant factor was they had confidence then, which we didn’t have. But we have it now.”

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill said, “England have a very new-look team, it has served them well, they’ve done well. Yes, I think McCullum’s style has been copied. The 50-over game keeps changing and it helps to know that other teams have taken inspiration from your game. It gives us confidence.”

One of the key points of discussion is the security issue. London witnessed a terror attack following the incident at Manchester.

Though both teams were caught unawares, they said they are feeling safe.

Morgan said that security has been stepped up but they can put the incident behind and continue playing.

“It is a completely new experience for everyone. It is something we don’t want to go through again. But we can put it behind. We proved that in the first match after what happened at Manchester. This incident took place quite close to where we stay.”

Guptill said that the ICC has been giving the teams updates and the team feels safe.

One of the battles within the big battle would be between Joe Root and Kane Williamson.

“Both are similar in the fact that they are both high-quality players and seem to expand in what they do across all formats, the way they score,” said Morgan.

Then it was Boys vs Men. Not now. We have gained confidence, played more games as individuals and together as team.