Eoin Morgan says his eyes are set firmly on the bigger picture after England’s 2-3 series defeat in the T20Is against India.
The England captain said the upcoming three-match ODI series would be an opportunity for the fringe players to push their case for the T20 World Cup as the 50-over format also throws up situations similar to T20 cricket.
“Given the T20 World Cup round the corner, playing any international cricket is a huge opportunity for guys who have been on the fringes so far,” Morgan said on Monday.
“When you score runs, and take wickets away from home, there’s always a huge incentive to try and push your case forward.”
Morgan said it would be exciting to “play three games at the same ground against a very, very strong Indian side”.
“It is a huge opportunity for everybody to get back into the frame of mind to deal with 50-over cricket. But also it will be an opportunity for the guys who haven’t had opportunities to really push their case forward,” he said.
He feels 50-over cricket is very close to the T20I format in throwing up familiar scenarios. “There are pockets of the game that replicate T20 cricket, and given that there’s very limited change between both squads. Given the two squads are very similar, we see skill sets as very valuable,” he said.
“I think they’re trying to envisage where 50 overs cricket will be in three years’ time. It is going to be quite difficult. The challenge for us is always trying to explore and push the limits as much as we can.”
Morgan also hinted that star all-rounder Moeen Ali may be back in action after being ignored for the T20Is.
“He takes them in his stride,” Morgan said. “The little period Mo spent at home before this series has done him a world of good. He has come back refreshed. He is a very relaxed guy who always has a reasonable perspective on life and sport.
“Anybody who is an all-rounder and makes the squad is extremely valuable to our side,” he added. “I know he has not played but that’s been circumstantial. The pitches we played on just haven’t turned and that obviously limits the contribution a finger-spinner might make in the game.”
