ECB confirm Cook sacked as ODI skipper

The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed the speculation that Alastair Cook has been sacked as captain of the ODI side, and has been replaced by batsman Eoin Morgan, who will lead them at the World Cup.

The rumours began on Friday already, but confirmation only came on Saturday Morning, with the selectors unable to keep justifying Cook's place given his poor run of more than 20 innings without a big score, not to mention his string of series defeats.

While Cook will continue as Test captain, Morgan will take over the side as of the tri-series against Australia and India in the new year. Morgan's form has also not been overly impressive in recent months.

James Whitaker, National Selector, said: "We spent a considerable time yesterday discussing the make up of a squad that gives England the best possible chance of success at the World Cup which begins in less than two months.

"Having reviewed the recent series against Sri Lanka we came to the conclusion that there was no place for Alastair Cook amongst our strongest 15 one-day players and therefore recommended Eoin Morgan be appointed One-Day captain."

Paul Downton, Managing Director England Cricket, said: "I have complete confidence in the decision made by the selectors and having spent time with Alastair yesterday he accepts that it has been made in the best interests of the one-day side.  

"Eoin has held a senior role in our limited overs teams for some time and has impressed on the occasions he has led the side. I would like to congratulate him on the appointment and wish him, Peter Moores and the rest of the squad all the very best over the next three months.  

"Alastair remains an integral part of England cricket and continues to have a vital role in developing our emerging Test side. I would like to thank him for his leadership of the one-day side since 2011, a period which saw the team reach number one in the world.

"Alastair led the team to more wins than any previous England captain and also make the final of the ICC Champions Trophy.

"Alastair will now focus on an exciting and challenging year of Test cricket beginning with a series against West Indies followed by an Ashes summer culminating in a series against South Africa next winter."

Latest