The last time England played an ODI series, in October last year in Bangladesh, Jos Buttler was made the stand-in captain as Eoin Morgan – the man who has led England’s revival in the limited overs’ formats – pulled out of the tour, along with opener Alex Hales, citing security reasons.
Naturally, apart from England’s chances of winning its first ODI series in India in three decades, Morgan was quizzed more about his return to England colours after the sabbatical.
“I don’t regret that at all. I am comfortable about that decision,” said Morgan, who led England’s march into the World Twenty20 final in India last year, preferring to look ahead to the series.
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England has been in top form in the ODI arena, having lost just five of the 18 ODIs it featured in 2016. However, the fact that nine members of its squad were a part of the recent Test badgering by India will certainly be playing on the minds of the group ahead of the three ODIs and as many T20s. Morgan, however, said the Test series will not affect the group.
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“They (the players) are very motivated. In India, regardless which format has been played first, the side generally improves and since this side has been together there has been no backlash or no repercussions from any performance. I don’t expect it (Test series) to have any effect,” he said.
Morgan was excited to start the challenge with two warm-up games against two quality sides. While Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead India A on Tuesday, Ajinkya Rahane will take over from Dhoni for the second game on Thursday.
“I think the two warm-up games have strong sides. It’s a great preparation to adapt and perform at skill levels that are needed here to win,” he said.
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