Morgan hopes triumph will give Ashes boost

Bairstow shows character with match-winning knock

England one-day captain Eoin Morgan hopes the feel-good factor generated by his side’s limited overs series win against New Zealand will carry on into next month’s Ashes series.

A miserable first-round exit at this year’s World Cup, which included an eight-wicket thrashing by eventual finalists New Zealand, and a subsequent 1-1 Test series draw away to the West Indies, left many England supporters fearful of the fate that might befall their side against old rivals Australia.

But there were encouraging signs during the recent 1-1 Test series draw with New Zealand, while the bold manner in which England played during a dramatic 3-2 one-day triumph over the Black Caps reinvigorated players and fans alike.

Feel-good factor

“I think there is a great feel-good factor going around cricket at the moment and it started with the Test series against New Zealand, which was very competitive,” said Morgan after Saturday’s thrilling one-day series clinching success in Durham.

Also on the ‘outside looking in’, for the time being at least, ahead of the first Ashes Test against Australia in Cardiff is Riverside match-winner Jonny Bairstow.

Bairstow’s 83 not out came against the backdrop of the recent passing of his grandfather.

“It was a pretty tough time for us as a family,” Bairstow said. “But we’ve been through it before and it just shows how strong we Bairstows are. It’s a trait we’ve had, and I’m sure those of you that have watched my dad play cricket for 20 years will see that. It’s something that runs in the blood.”