Poor pitch cost us dear, claims captain Morgan

EOIN MORGAN criticised a grassy Lord’s pitch after England slumped to 20 for six en route to defeat by South Africa. After a string of games in which they have passed 300 more often than not, England appeared to hit the buffers just before Thursday’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh at The Oval. But while Morgan admitted their performance was a ‘nice reminder that we need to keep our feet on the ground’, he insisted his side’s collapse would have little bearing on their chances of lifting a first global 50-over trophy. ‘What cost us was the first hour,’ he said. ‘There was a lot of live green grass on the wicket, but South Africa bowled beautifully. They didn’t give us anything to hit, and if they did we managed to nick it. I don’t think it was a one-day international wicket, to be honest. I’d be disappointed if we see one like it in the Champions Trophy, because any side who bat first have the potential to lose the game. To win or lose on the toss in a major tournament is hard to take.’ The England captain also backed opener Jason Roy — who hasn’t passed 20 in his last six ODIs — despite another half-century for Jonny Bairstow. ‘It’s the hardest thing telling Jonny he’s not playing,’ said Morgan. ‘He never lets us down. But Jason is our pick at the moment. Him and (Alex) Hales have been our one and two for quite a long time. They’ve had ups and downs, but they’ve played in the fashion we have as a team, and have been very important to that.’ Morgan also eased fears over injuries, saying Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali would all be fit for Thursday after missing this match. Stokes today faces another scan on his left knee, which troubles him only during the delivery stride, but Morgan said he was only rested to give him another day off.