“We’ve gone past a 15-man squad of guys who can contribute into probably an 18-, 19-man squad who could all easily be selected for the final 15. And one benefit from having the Pakistan series in the build-up is that guys who are in form will get opportunities to stake their claim for World Cup positions,” he concluded.
ICC World Cup 2019: Eoin Morgan Rates Pakistan as the Second or Third Favourites to Win
Apr 14, 2019 at 11:20 PM
England Cricket team skipper Eoin Morgan has tipped Pakistan as the second or the third favourites to lift the upcoming ICC World Cup title in England and Wales starting from May 30. Meanwhile, the host being the top-ranked ODI side are the top contenders to win the trophy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan recently suffered a 5-0 whitewash against Australia in the United Arab Emirates. This raised speculations over their preparations ahead of the showpiece event. Now they will face-off with Pakistan in a one-off T20I on 5 May followed immediately by five ODIs – an exercise which will sharpen both sides before the World Cup.
Speaking about the upcoming series, Eoin Morgan said it will be a nice way to start the summer. He also added that Pakistan will be the second or the third favourites to win the title. Sarfraz Ahmed & Co are currently the Champions Trophy and play good cricket in England.
“[The Pakistan series] is a nice way to ease into the summer and get some really good, competitive cricket going,” said Morgan. “Pakistan are probably second or third favourites for the tournament.
“They hold the Champions Trophy – playing extremely well to win that, in England – so it’s a series we’re all looking forward to,” he added.
We have been together for four years: Morgan
Since England’s ouster from the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, they have undergone significant reforms in their ODI squad. They have played an aggressive brand of cricket while the management have backed the players and kept the team intact.
Eoin Morgan said that the upcoming series against Pakistan will be the build-up to the World Cup and the inform players will go to the World Cup. Also, he reiterated that they now a squad of 18-19 players who can contribute, to pick the final 15.
“Over the four years we’ve been together, we have had so many guys who have contributed to the position we find ourselves,” Morgan reflected.