Morgan focused on winning matches with England
10 January 2017
Eoin Morgan said he is excited to be back in charge and focused on winning matches after missing the recent tour to Bangladesh.
Morgan opted not to travel due to security fears and instead watched on TV as Jos Buttler marshalled England to an impressive 2-1 series win.
While full of praise for his deputy, Morgan is glad to be back at the helm for three ODIs and three T20s beginning in Pune on Sunday.
“I don’t regret that at all – I considered all consequences,” said the 30-year-old, who insisted there was no additional pressure on him to perform on this tour.
“You are always out to prove how good you are and what you can do. I am always looking to win games of cricket and score runs.
“I’d like to think things have gone pretty well for us over a small period of time and we’ve had a little bit of success.”
Morgan arrived in India following a successful five-match stint with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash.
He struck two half-centuries including an incredible 71 not out in his final outing which included a last ball six to beat the Melbourne Stars.
"You are always out to prove how good you are and what you can do."
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“I was extremely excited [to be back] and a major part of that is getting some cricket under my belt in the run in to the series, which I’ve managed to do,” he said.
England face an intense six months of white-ball cricket, which culminates in a home Champions Trophy. In the distance, but not out of sight, is the World Cup in 2019, which will also be held in England.
“I’m really excited about the series and the next five or six months, which is going to be a big part in our lead towards the World Cup,” added Morgan, who has played 170 ODIs.
“It’s exciting that we only have white-ball cricket between now and then and everyone in the group is as excited as I am.”
England will face stiff opposition in their two warm-up games at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan, who averages 44 in 73 ODIs, are in the India A side for Tuesday’s match while Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina will be involved on Thursday.
“It’s ideal to be honest,” said Morgan. “India’s a tough place to come and adapt and perform at the skill level that’s required to win a series so that’ll be great preparation.”
England will play two matches in Bristol in 2017, including their first home match of 2017. Tickets to both matches in Bristol are now on sale.
England v Ireland - Royal London ODI, Friday 5 May - Book today
England v West Indies - Royal London ODI, Saturday 26 September - Book today
