Eoin Morgan has beaten Ravi Bopara in the race for the place in England’s line-up for this week’s opening Test Match of the summer against Sri Lanka. The Middlesex batsman seemed destined to miss out to Bopara with the Essex all-rounder’s bowling ability seemingly the deciding factor. The Irishman produced a stunning 193 for the England Lions last week though, with Bopara failing to step-up to the plate when needed with two disappointing innings, scoring 17 and 29 in from his two trips to the crease.
With Paul Collingwood’s number six position in the England side now vacant following his retirement from the longer form of the game, Morgan will now have the perfect chance to establish himself as the man for the job. Chief selector Geoff Miller laid down the marker to the creative batsman to become an England regular despite the fact Bopara and others still in the frame. Those who have made a Betfair iPhone app download won’t be too surprised by the move.
“This is an opportunity for him to cement his place. Obviously there are one or two others, as we’ve always said we wanted, knocking on the door, but on this occasion Eoin got the nod,” he said.
During England’s successful winter tour of Australia, Morgan was in and around the squad without ever managing to dislodge an out-of-form Collingwood. With the experienced all-rounder now retired from Test cricket the battle is on for who will be Collingwood’s permanent replacement. Morgan is always going to come under pressure because his lack of bowling ability, but if the 24-year-old will be safe if he scores some big runs on a regular basis. Anyone following the Blackberry betting will be wondering if he can do this.
Morgan will now go into this week’s Test against Sri Lanka full of confidence that he can carry on the momentum he gathered against the tourist’s bowling attack last week. Bopara will be out to continue his good start to the season with Essex and prepare himself should Morgan slip up and hand the all-rounder another chance in the England set-up. For the time being though, England will be looking to the unorthodox Morgan to prove he is worthy of his latest inclusion.