Morgan laments 'bad, disappointing' day
Captain Eoin Morgan defended the understrength nature of England's XI, after Australia screamed to a resounding 88-run victory in Sunday's second ODI at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Captain Eoin Morgan defended the understrength nature of England's XI, after Australia screamed to a resounding 88-run victory in Sunday's second ODI at Old Trafford in Manchester.
The hosts have rested skipper Alastair Cook, batsman Ian Bell, spinner Graeme Swann and fast bowler James Anderson for the five-match series. As many as six players with less than 25 caps each, meanwhile, featured in the weekend's team.
The Aussies were entirely commanding en route to 315 for seven on the back of captain Michael Clarke's century, after which the home side slumped to a mere 227 all out in the wake of seamer Clint McKay and left-armer Mitchell Johnson's three and two wickets respectively.
"It's certainly not short-term planning. The type of characters that they are, we expect them to deal with this particularly and bounce back soon enough, when they'll have another opportunity to do well," said Morgan.
"This was a bad day. We probably let them get 40 too many. But the batsmen are as guilty as the bowlers – we didn't perform, we didn't put their bowlers under enough pressure by building partnerships and then looking to take them on. That was disappointing."
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler's 75-run cameo, which spanned just balls and featured a quintet of boundaries and a trio of sixes, afforded Morgan belated consolation. Opener Kevin Pietersen's 60, Morgan's 54 and tail-ender Steven Finn's were England's only other double-figure scores.
"Seeing him perform like that was brilliant. We've seen him do that every week in a Somerset shirt. It's great to see. It was hard when you initially went in. But when you developed a partnership, you found yourself without any effort scoring at five or six an over," concluded Morgan.
The third ODI will get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Wednesday. Cardiff and Southampton will host fixtures four and five on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Latest
-
NewsMoeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The HundredAlex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.
-
NewsRichard Thompson named as new ECB chair and pledges to restore trust in cricket
The 55-year-old will leave is role at Surrey.
-
EnglandJos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
NewsHarry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.
-
The HundredNathan Ellis and Jordan Thompson help London Spirit claim thrilling derby win
Australian fast bowler Ellis (three for 28) and Thompson (two for 31) reduced the home side to 12 for four.
-
NewsJofra Archer extends Sussex contract for another year
The 27-year-old World Cup winner has been sidelined for more than a year by injury.
-
NewsNorthern Superchargers put their faith in experience for Hundred campaign
The Headingley-based men’s side could have eight players aged 34 and over in their first-choice XI.
-
NewsLiam Livingstone looking forward to entertaining fans in the Hundred again
The England all-rounder finished the 2021 men’s Hundred with the most runs and the highest individual score.
-
NewsOn this day in 2008: Kevin Pietersen named England Test and one-day captain
The South Africa-born batter made a bright start but lasted just five months in the roles.