After a sensational performance against Pakistan in the recent ODI series, the England outfit continues to remain in the news. The reason, though, may not be an ideal one as it deals with their upcoming tour of Bangladesh. Amidst fundamentalist elements disrupting activities in Bangladesh, England’s proposed tour was always under the scanner. However, after a security assessment by ECB’s official team, the tour was given a green signal.
Things turned sour when Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain took a call to skip the tour citing security reasons. Despite being asked to reconsider his decision, Morgan remained adamant and opted to give the tour a miss. In his absence, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was named the captain of the ODI side. According to discarded English star batsman Kevin Pietersen, Morgan’s decision to skip the tour wasn’t a welcome one. In his column, Pietersen wrote that Morgan’s decision could have future consequences.
“Eoin Morgan has no choice but to go to Bangladesh,” Pietersen mentioned. “It is a case of one in, all in so if he does not go he will have a red cross next to his name as far as the bosses at the England and Wales Cricket Board are concerned. “When Alastair Cook is willing to lead the Test squad it puts huge pressure on Eoin as captain of the one-day team.” “It is his right to take that personal choice, but it will be held against him at some stage in the future, despite any assurances to the contrary,” the batsman added.
Morgan in his recent interview, had stated that past events relating to security issues had forced him to take the drastic step. “In Bangladesh playing domestic cricket during political elections when things were incredibly violent,” Morgan said. “I think ultimately, as I’ve said before, as an individual you need to be comfortable within yourself to focus on cricket.” “I’ve been to places before where things have become a distraction and it’s only been once or twice when security’s been a distraction and I’ve told myself I’d never put myself in that situation again.”
Along with Morgan, opener Alex Hales too made himself unavailable for the tour. Andrew Strauss, the director of England cricket said that it would have been better had the duo agreed to tour. “Whilst we understand and respect Eoin and Alex’s decision, we are disappointed that they have made themselves unavailable for selection for the Bangladesh tour,” Strauss said.