‘Didn’t expect it’ - Tymal Mills on Eoin Morgan backing him for T20 World Cup 2021

With the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in UAE later this year, all the teams are busy identifying their best squad for the marquee event. 2019 World Cup champions England are deemed hot favourites for the global competition and they would want to live up to the expectations. While the Three Lions don’t have a shortage of match-winners in the batting department, their bowling attack isn’t that daunting.

Hence, one could see left-arm pacer Tymal Mills as a surprise name in England’s squad for the gala event. Skipper of the side, Eoin Morgan is certainly of the same belief. Following England’s 3-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the recent T20I series, Morgan asserted there are still spots up for grabs with the T20 World Cup being few months away. The southpaw also remarked that players like Mills, who have been impressive in the domestic circuit, can be in the reckoning.

Reacting to Morgan’s statement, Mills admitted being happy with the recognition as he did not see it coming. The speedster also revealed that Morgan, during a tournament in UAE, had told him that he’s on the radar. Hence, the 28-year-old is happy to know that his name still pops up in the selection meetings.

Tymal Mills recalls his conversation with Eoin Morgan

“It was nice to get that recognition. I didn’t expect it, to be honest. I had a brief chat with Morgs (Morgan), while playing in a tournament in the UAE, and he let me know I was still on the radar. Yeah, of course. Your name still comes up in selection meetings and things like that,” Mills said as quoted by Sportsmail.

“We didn’t go into too much depth, it was just over a drink at dinner, but for me, it was just a good chance to find out whether I was still in the picture,” he added. Mills, who made his international debut in 2016, has played five T20Is. His ability to set the speed gun on fire and deceive batsmen with variations also impressed many.

However, a dip in form and injuries meant Mills didn’t play for England after May 2018. Nevertheless, he has been performing consistently in the domestic circuit lately and could well feature in the gala tournament.