Star Eoin can help inspire us, says Colly
CAPTAIN Paul Collingwood has hailed big-hitter Eoin Morgan, insisting his new-found batting star can inspire England to World Twenty 20 success.
The Irish-born batsman top-scored in both England’s group stage matches against West Indies and Ireland, and has now taken on a leading role as Collingwood’s men prepare for the start of the Super Eights, against Pakistan in Barbados today.
“He’s a very versatile player,” Collingwood said of the Middlesex left-hander. “He’s obviously got the power and can play all the shots. But he’s also got a good mind on him.
“That’s what you need in the middle order, number five especially. You’ve got to adjust to the situation, and he seems to be reading the situations really well.”
Indeed, Morgan’s contributions proved invaluable for England, who just squeezed through to the latter stages after heavy rain forced a no-result against the Irish on Tuesday night, just 24 hours after England suffered an unfortunate Duckworth-Lewis defeat to the Windies, despite posting a tournament-best 191-5.
England now face Pakistan in the first Super Eights clash, at the Kensington Oval this afternoon, after they progressed from Group A with Australia.
Australia ensured their qualification by overcoming a nervy start to beat Bangladesh by 27 runs, helped by Mike Hussey’s unbeaten 47 and the bowling of Dirk Nannes (4-18).
WORLD TWENTY20 | SUPER EIGHTS FIXTURES
Today – Pakistan v England, Barbados
Today – South Africa/Afghanistan v New Zealand, Barbados
7 May – Australia v India, Barbados
7 May – Sri Lanka v West Indies, Barbados
8 May – South Africa/Afghanistan v England, Barbados
8 May – Pakistan v New Zealand, Barbados
9 May – India v West Indies, Guyana
9 May – Sri Lanka v Australia, Barbados
10 May – New Zealand v England, St Lucia
10 May – Pakistan v South Africa/Afghanistan, St Lucia
11 May – Sri Lanka v India, St Lucia
11 May – West Indies v Australia, St Lucia