CRICKET/T20 WORLD CUP:EOIN MORGAN'S senior statesman role for England has perhaps been forced on him – but is one he is relishing as crunch time approaches in the ICC World Twenty20.
England retain realistic prospects of defending their title only thanks to yesterday’s much-needed win over New Zealand, and know that tonight’s final Super Eight match against Sri Lanka at Pallekele could yet finish their tournament early.
It was Sri Lanka who ended England’s interest in last year’s World Cup, with a 10-wicket quarter-final trouncing in Colombo, and they could repeat an unpalatable double in this competition.
England’s chances are enhanced, however, by the presence of Morgan – back to form after a lacklustre year in his favoured limited-overs format.
He restored England’s belief, although not in victory, with his unbeaten 71 from only 36 balls against West Indies last week; then, as Luke Wright hit the most telling blows against the Kiwis, the Irishman also helped to shepherd a successful chase.
At 26, Morgan is one year Wright’s junior – and has also played seven fewer Twenty20 internationals. Both have been notable performers in Twenty20 leagues around the world, making their presence so key in an England top six otherwise full of youthful potential but not relevant experience. Morgan’s billing as the wise head, as well as pivotal force, in England’s middle order is one consequence of Kevin Pietersen’s controversial absence.
While the latter continues his role instead as a television pundit – and as of tomorrow will no longer hold an England and Wales Cricket Board central contract either – it is ever more incumbent on Morgan to organise and encourage the apprentices around him.
“I think the role that I play within the side has changed over the last six to 12 months,” he said.
“The responsibility on my shoulders is one that I enjoy. I relish batting in the middle order and towards the end of the innings, and nurturing guys along and getting us over the line.
“It’s a role I enjoy a hell of a lot.”
England promoted Jonny Bairstow, to no avail, ahead of Morgan against the West Indies – and captain Stuart Broad, and the man himself, have since pointed out his suitability to batting after the six-over powerplay once the ring field retreats. “My skills as a middle-order batter – and the stats back it up – the success I’ve had all guide towards batting from six to 20 overs,” said Morgan. “When I get in early in those six overs, I don’t seem to do well.
“Having looked at my strengths within the side – when we do well, and I do well – everything seems to point to me batting in the middle order, seeing things through and enjoying the responsibility and playing the situations. It’s a role I’ve thrived on. It’s worked really well, and we’ll stick with it.
However England deploy Morgan, they will go into tonight’s must-win match with confidence renewed after their comfortable win over the Kiwis.
