Morgan eyes up Pakistan clean sweep
ENGLAND batsman Eoin Morgan insists Alastair Cook’s one-day side can take a step towards mirroring the achievements of the Test team in reaching No1 in the world by completing a 4-0 series whitewash against Pakistan today.
Back-to-back centuries for Cook, a combined total of 11 wickets for Steven Finn and a timely return to form for Kevin Pietersen represent the highlights of a series which has seen England salvage something tangible from a sobering tour.
Following Saturday’s nine-wicket victory, Cook’s men go into today’s match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on the verge of gaining some measure of revenge for the 3-0 Test reversal, an accomplishment that would advance both England’s long and short-term objectives, according to Morgan.
“Where we are is six in the world; where we want to be is No1 in the world by the World Cup in 2015,” he said. “We do want to win 4-0, and if the opportunity arises we could give players a bit of experience. But the priority is to win the game.”
Morgan was among a clutch of batsmen who went into the Tests against Pakistan undercooked and struggled against spin as a result.
In order to prevent a repeat England Cricket managing director Hugh Morris confirmed yesterday that several members of the current touring party, including Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell, will head to Sri Lanka early with batting coach Graham Gooch to acclimatise ahead of two Tests in March and April.
“We will be sending some of the Test squad to Sri Lanka early, particularly some of those who have not been playing in the last month or so [during the ODI series with Pakistan], Morris said. “They will be working with Graham and one or two of the coaches and support staff at getting acclimatised and preparing on Sri Lankan wickets.”