Eoin Morgan, England skipper says that he does not know his best XI going into the three-match Twenty20 International series against hosts South Africa that starts at Newlands on Friday.
England have a full-strength squad to choose from for the first time this year and Eoin Morgan admits there is plenty to ponder in both the batting and bowling line-ups, as well as the balance of the side in the shortest format.
Eoin Morgan and Joe Root. Image Credit: Getty Images.
Eoin Morgan: England Don’t Know Best XI Yet For South Africa ODIs
The England cricket team are currently touring South Africa during November and December 2020 to play three ODI and 3 T20I matches. The ODI series will be a part of the inaugural 2020–22 ICC World Cup Super League.
On 18 June 2019, against Afghanistan at Old Trafford, Eoin Morgan scored 148 from 71 balls. His innings included 17 sixes, the most sixes by an individual in an ODI innings. Eoin Morgan’s century came from 57 balls, the fastest by an England batsman in a Cricket World Cup match. On 14 July 2019, led by Eoin Morgan, England won the World Cup for the first time, beating New Zealand in the final on boundaries after the match and super over both were tied.
Sam Curran-Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.
“We don’t know our best XI yet,” he told reporters on Thursday.
“There are probably seven or eight guys who are strong candidates to be in the first XI. But with a full-strength squad here there is so much to discuss around team selection. To start with, you need to try and figure out who your best six or seven batsmen are, then try and get them in the roles that best suit them and the team, and that gives you the best chance of winning the games.”
Ben Stokes looks certain to play as one all-rounder, but whether England will play another all-rounder in the number seven batting position is unclear. The question is whether they pick seamer Sam Curran or spinner Moeen Ali, both of whom can bat as well.
Eoin Morgan: Looking Ahead To World Cup England Need Option Of Two Spinners
The fact that the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup will be played in India next October and November, in conditions very different to seamer-friendly South Africa, is another piece of the puzzle for the selectors.
“Looking ahead to the World Cup we will probably need the option of two spinners. Then again, if we have the luxury of two all-rounders in the side (in these conditions) in Ben and Sam, that is also huge. Winning at the moment would be great, but it is more important that we get the players’ roles right and they get comfortable in them. Then the results will look after themselves.”
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.
England have rested Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes in ODIs while they are present in T20Is. Chris Woakes, Liam Livingstone, Lewis Gregory and Olly Stone are in ODI squad.
