Morgan has 'no regrets' as England goes in search of World Cup glory

England, bidding to lift the men's trophy for the first time, heads into a limited overs tournament starting on May 30 as the world's number one ranked side in ODI cricket.

Published : May 22, 2019 00:56 IST

England team at the launch of its 2019 World Cup kit.
England team at the launch of its 2019 World Cup kit.
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England team at the launch of its 2019 World Cup kit.

England captain Eoin Morgan believes the tournament host has done everything it possibly could to get itself ready for a tilt at the World Cup.

One-day cricket has long been the poor relation of the international game in England in terms of status.

But a humiliating first round exit at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand -- with Morgan made captain only shortly before the tournament in place of axed Test skipper Alastair Cook -- prompted a major rethink.

ICC WORLD CUP 2019 - FULL COVERAGE

Now England, bidding to lift the men's trophy for the first time, heads into a tournament starting on May 30 as the world's number one ranked side in ODI cricket.

“Absolutely no regrets, we're positioned in the best possible place at the moment,” Morgan told reporters at the launch of England's World Cup kit in London on Tuesday -- just hours after itunveiled its 15-man squad for the 50-over showpiece event.

Since the 2015 World Cup England has twice set a new record for the highest total in an ODI innings -- 444 for three against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2016 and 481 for six against reigning world champion Australia, at the same venue, last year.

“Our exceptional days are better than we could have imagined -- the world records etc -- I could never have seen those at the start of 2015,” said middle-order batsman Morgan.

“That expectation has shifted with level of performance.”

 

And the former Ireland international believes England can cope with the increased pressure to deliver a title-winning run.

'Inspire next generation'

“It's a huge opportunity, we're looking to express ourselves and continue to play as we have in the last four years.

“The other one is to inspire the next generation of cricketers to come into the game and pick up a ball and a bat, hopefully come out of the tournament worshipping one of the guys in our team.”

England wrapped a 4-0 home ODI series win against Pakistan on Sunday and Morgan would rather it was next playing its World Cup opener against South Africa -- at The Oval on May 30 -- than a warm-up match against reigning world champion Australia in Southampton on Saturday.

“We'd like to start playing tomorrow,” said Morgan.

READ | Jofra Archer in England team, Denly and Willey miss out

“We've had some really good preparation against Pakistan, I don't think could have gone better, chopping and changing. Everyone just wants to get on with the tournament.”

As widely forecast, Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer -- who only qualified for England in March and has played just three ODIs -- edged out left-arm quick David Willey, a mainstay of the team, for a place in the World Cup squad.

Explaining Willey's omission, Morgan said: “It's simply because over the course of the tournament we need to cover all possible cases with the squad and the fact we have three frontline bowlers (Archer, Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett) who all take the new ball affected that decision.”

Back-up spinner Joe Denly also missed out, with Morgan saying: “I spoke to Dave and Joe last night and obviously said longer term, with the length of the tournament we are likely to get injuries - they are next in line, no doubt about that.

“I still see them playing a part in our World Cup campaign.

“It is but a tough decision had to be made and hopefully the right one for the squad.”

As for Archer, Morgan said: “Jofra has come in and done exactly what he's been doing for Sussex and other franchise teams around the world.

“I think he's come on in the games he's played. If he continues to improve throughout his career, he's a very exciting prospect.”

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