England captain Eoin Morgan found some much-needed form ahead of his team's Twenty20 series opener against South Africa on Friday.Morgan made his highest score since November last year with a 13-ball 42 in a tour match, helping an England XI to victory over South Africa A.
The England skipper made just 64 runs in the five-match one-day international series, which England lost 3-2. Paceman David Willey, who took 2 for 32 off four overs in the tour match, was delighted to see Morgan regain some touch. "He's a destructive player," he said. "I think the guys said there were five sixes in 13 balls or something. When your captain comes out and leads by example like that it's great for the rest of the dressing room.
"Warm-up games are about nailing your plans." >@david_willey after England's comprehensive win >#building>https://t.co/tM71R3vLOp
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) >February 17, 2016
"In a matter of two overs, he swung the momentum of the game which is fantastic."
Opener Alex Hales continued his run of form with 78 in England's total of 202 for 6, with South Africa A managing just 158 for 8 in response. Willey was impressed by Hales, who made a series-high 383 runs during the ODIs. "He's playing exceptionally well. It's been a great tour for him, so hopefully that can carry on into these next two games," he said.
The two-match T20 series marks good preparation for England and South Africa ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in March and April.While England are ranked third in the T20 rankings, South Africa sit sixth – with both looking to build some momentum ahead of the showpiece tournament in India.
Dale Steyn is still missing for the hosts as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury and, while he has resumed bowling, he will be absent for the England series. South Africa is likely to test most players in its squad, but will need 20-year-old paceman Kagiso Rabada to continue his impressive performances in Steyn's absence.
Rabada took nine wickets at 19.88 during the ODI series.
Comments
SHARE