"Baptism of fire for Harry Brook at the moment" - Eoin Morgan after England go down 2-0 in ENG vs AUS 2024 ODI series
Former England skipper Eoin Morgan feels Harry Brook's captaincy stint has been a 'baptism of fire' so far, having lost both ODIs against Australia. Morgan reckons England have had positives despite their losses in the five-game series, but the manner of defeats will hurt them.
Having amassed 315 in the first ODI in Nottingham, England let Australia get to the target in a canter as Travis Head starred with an unbeaten 154. England failed to chase down 271 in the second ODI in Leeds, losing by 68 runs after a middle-order collapse.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Morgan said if batting was the positive in Nottingham, the bowling unit proved to be one in Leeds. However, the 38-year-old also felt there is a vast difference in experience and skill level between the two sides.
"I think the positives from Trent Bridge would have been the batting department. Both Ben Duckett and Will Jacks, the partnership they formed in getting them up to a good platform, and a forward-facing commanding score against a strong Australia side. Today, it is probably with the ball," Morgan said.
"They weren't as consistent as Australia would have been if they bowled first but that is just experience, consistency, skill that is produced by two different sides going through two different cycles. It is a baptism of fire for Brook at the moment. It is pretty large defeats against a very, very good side," he added.
Eoin Morgan further stressed that fringe players must step up in the ongoing series, as they will find it difficult to find a place in the squad during the India tour and Champions Trophy.
"If you look at the timeline of how they look at players, an ODI side will have a new look for say an India tour or Champions Trophy. There will be a Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Joe Root. So, for these younger, inexperienced players you want to really stamp your authority on this series and in the up-and-coming West Indies series because there may not be chances in the new year and into the Champions Trophy," Morgan said.
The second ODI saw England reduce Australia to 221/9 at one stage. However, Alex Carey (74) shared a 49-run stand with Josh Hazlewood to propel the tourists to a match-winning total.
"Chasing 270 on the really flat wicket here should be reasonably easy" - Eoin Morgan
Eoin Morgan lamented the hosts for losing too many wickets on a flat wicket at Headingley while chasing 271. The 2019 World Cup-winning captain said in the same interview:
"We talk about the impact of the experience, quality that Australia bolstered their attack with today and that was evident in the run chase. Chasing 270 on the really flat wicket here should be reasonably easy. The run-rate was never a concern but continuously losing wickets and not really finding the mantra Brook has talked about."
The third ODI will take place on Tuesday, September 24, at Chester Le Street.