‘He’s one of the best’ – Woakes thrilled Morgan is carrying on

Chris Woakes is delighted that Eoin Morgan resisted the temptation to quit as England’s one-day captain after last summer’s World Cup and is back to lead the side in South Africa.
Having led the hosts to glory in the dramatic Lord’s final last July, there was speculation that the Dubliner could retire from 50-over cricket on a high and focus exclusively on landing the Twenty20 trophy in Australia later this year.
After taking some time to ponder his future, the 33-year-old recommitted to both roles and will skipper England in their first series as world champions next month.
Woakes, one of Morgan’s most trusted lieutenants in recent years, said: “There was a bit of talk about whether Eoin might go out on a high, knock it on the head there and then, but I think he’s so much more to give.
“He’s not old by any means and is probably playing the best cricket of his career. It’s great that he’s sticking around. It’s good for the T20 team as well with the World Cup coming up that he’s going to be involved there.
“He’s one of the best and calmest captains I’ve ever played under, so I’m glad he’s carrying on.”
Woakes is almost three years younger than Morgan but the rigours of life as a pace bowler, and specifically a long-term knee condition, mean his own shelf-life has also come under discussion.
For now he is happy to continue playing his role as the senior seamer but has not yet pondered the likelihood of seeing out another four-year cycle.
“The first ODI is in Cape Town, which is a pretty special venue and, if I get a go, it will be my 100th game, so that would be special too,” he said.
“It’s also first one-dayer since the World Cup final, so I’m really looking forward to getting that group back together and seeing what we can do. Whenever that team gets together we are excited about playing cricket together.
“But it’s hard to look four years down the line at potentially another World Cup, or even another Ashes down under. I can’t look that far ahead, I never have.
“They are a long way away, I have to make sure that every time I get the opportunity to play for England I put my hand up and do my job, hopefully take wickets for the team and score some runs as well. Hopefully I’ll still be involved.”
Latest
-
News
Sri Lanka steady ship after James Anderson takes three wickets in Galle
The home side reached 155 for three at tea, with England’s record wicket-taker responsible for all three dismissals.
-
News
CSA confident Australia tour will go ahead
CSA is confident the scheduled Australia tour to the country will take place despite the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in South Africa
-
News
James Anderson at the double on day one in Galle
Sri Lanka may have feared a repeat of their dismal 135 all out from last week.
-
News
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
Jos Buttler will return home after the first Test as England seek to keep players fresh, while Ollie Pope will return when fit.
-
News
World Test Championship: Which countries are in the running for Lord’s final
The ICC World Test Championship final is set to be held at Lord’s in June, completing a two-year cycle of the inaugural tournament.
-
News
Klaasen named skipper of Proteas T20 squad for Pakistan series
South Africa named a much-changed squad for the T20I series that follows the two Tests in Pakistan.
-
News
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
The star all-rounder and key pace bowler were both rested from the current tour of Sri Lanka.
-
News
James Anderson replaces Stuart Broad as England shuffle seam attack in Sri Lanka
The most prolific seamer in history will swap places with Broad for the second Test.
-
News
Joe Root backs Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley to adjust to Asian conditions
Sibley and Crawley contributed four single-figure scores in the opening Test for a total of 25 runs.
-
News
England fast bowler Olly Stone ready to resume Test ambitions in Sri Lanka
The Warwickshire quick is ready to prove himself again after 18 hard months since his debut.