Eoin Morgan pleased with the return of IPL stars to the national setup

English skipper Eoin Morgan is all set to lead his side in the short 3-match ODI series against South Africa. The series is expected to serve the purpose of preparations for both sides leading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. The English team has been riding high on confidence as they recently drubbed Ireland in the 2-match ODI series at home.

On the other hand, the Proteas camp is looking strong too after having won both their warm-up matches on the tour. Now, the stage if set for the first ODI of the series. The two teams, who are being tagged as the favorites for the upcoming Champions Trophy, will be locking horns to get their permutations and combinations right. The hosts have received a major boost ahead of the first game.

Three of their top players have returned to the squad that will certainly bolster the lineup. Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Chris Woaked have joined the squad after having played in the Indian Premier League. Skipper Eoin Morgan, who was also a part of the league for initial stages, looked very pleased to see their top three players return to the national setup.

On being value additions

Morgan believes that the arrival of the IPL stars will boost the team a lot more. Stokes was phenomenal in his performances and had ended up winning the Most Valuable Player award in the season. Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler were sensational for their respective sides as well.

“It’s a huge benefit having three match-winners come back into the team having watched them contribute so much to the IPL. Ben Stokes comes back as the competition’s MVP (most valuable player) and it’s great to see him performing so well in what is the biggest domestic tournament in the world,” quoted Eoin Morgan.

“Jos is one of the best in the world as well and Chris has been an important part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ road to the final stages,” he conceded further.