Captain Eoin Morgan’s one-day struggles are because of England’s failure to provide a platform to use his exuberant range of shots, believes Middlesex team-mate Nick Compton.
Morgan, 28, has come under the microscope after registering four ducks during his last five innings in all cricket. The latest came during England’s awful start against Australia.
England international Compton feels Morgan will only fly again once the pressure of having to build a total is released.
“There is no doubt that Eoin is a very resilient and resourceful cricketer,” he said.
“The fact he has played countless number of years in the Indian Premier League and is captain of the England one-day side says that.
“At his best, Eoin is a world-class entertainer in limited-overs cricket. In the past, he has allowed England the opportunity to get some really big totals after solid starts from the top order.
“I believe there is possibly too much pressure on him to play more of a batsman’s innings and get you a volume of runs. I see Eoin slightly different as a guy who can come in after a solid start and be inventive, be dynamic, play his scoops and reverse sweeps.
“He can hurt you at the back end of the innings. I don’t see him in his current role, I don’t think the expectation has helped him.
“You want him to come in at 220-4 rather than 60-4. This is putting him on the back foot.
“When he tries to become a technical player and goes into his shell, I think he will forgive me for saying this, he is not a technician. Defence is not his strongest quality. He is getting himself in a bit of a muddle.”
Peter Moores’ men next face big-hitting New Zealand. Although not vital to hopes of advancing from Pool A, this should provide another stern examination.
“I think it is a massive game,” said Compton, who has an average of 31.93 in nine Test matches. “England’s one=day form has been inconsistent, and that is putting it mildly.
“At a World Cup, it is to do with momentum. It is about who is playing the best cricket in the knock-out stages. England need to put in a great performance against a top side and win. More than anything, for their morale and belief.
“There is no real feeling this is a team that can go far in the tournament. But as we know, once you get through to the quarter-finals it is up for grabs.”
