It's the hardest thing telling Jonny he's not playing: Eoin Morgan

English skipper Eoin Morgan looked pleased with the overall result of the ODI series against South Africa. Despite losing the final ODI, the team managed to win the series 2-1 ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy 2017. After the game, Morgan spoke at length about how things went in the game and also reflected on the possible team combinations. Earlier, he had spoken about Ben Stokes fitness as well.

Speaking about the match, Eoin Morgan noted that the conditions at Lord’s was not at all fruitful for the batsmen in the first hour of the game. That reflected in the fact that England were reeling on 20/6 in the first five overs of the final ODI. Also, he added that the batsmen played defensively and got out. He credited the Proteas bowlers for having performed well.

“Obviously what cost us was that first hour — a lot of live, green grass on the wicket, but ultimately I thought South Africa bowled beautifully. We didn’t play too aggressively — a lot of our shots were defensive — so a lot of credit goes to South Africa,” he quoted.

On Bairstow’s selection

One man who has consistently performed in the English colors has been Jonny Bairstow. However, the batsman fails to make it to the playing eleven. He was drafted in the lineup for the third ODI and he responded with runs yet again. He top scored with 51 to his name. Morgan noted that it is always tough to tell Bairstow that he is not playing the game. He added that the team will back Jason Roy despite his poor run of form.

“He (Bairstow) never lets us down — every time he comes in, he scores runs, and he continues to bang on the door. It’s the hardest thing telling Jonny he’s not playing and he’s done nothing wrong. As regards selection, Jason is our number one pick at the moment. He and (Alex) Hales have been very important to the way we’ve played as a team for quite a long time,” quoted Eoin Morgan.