It's a platform that tests the best in the business. At the 2019 ICC World Cup, there's hardly any room for error. And England's Eoin Morgan. But he hasn't let the pressure get to him.
At home carrying the hopes and ambition of the entire country, the skipper is at easy. Probably a reason why he replied with a cheeky, "I am playing a lot of golf" when asked about his plans building up to the opener against South Africa on Thursday (May 30)
The warm-up matches have been an indication of what one can expect from the Three Lions this time. After a close loss to Australia in their first tie that saw them come inches close to chasing 298 set by the defending champions, the hosts were all over Afghanistan in the second game. No wonder that Morgan oozed confidence in his post-match press briefing. "We have felt ready the last week or so," said Morgan. "If we didn't play these warm-up games, we still would have been in a position where we felt confident going into that first game.
"The only thing we missed today was the opening bowlers probably would have liked to bowl a little bit more but such was the game."
Bowling Afghanistan out for 160 inside 39 overs came with cons. Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes bowled just 10.4 overs between them, with Archer the pick of the two with 3-32, while Woakes conceded just 10 runs from his five overs. "They are fully prepared. Today as a whole I was very happy with the preparation."
As for injury he sustained during the game against Australia, well they have all but cleared up now. Morgan was passed fit after dislocating his finger and played in this match as a batsman only, though was not required. He was netting immediately after his press conference, making use of the indoor nets at the Oval but is satiated by his three innings and 164 runs during the Pakistan series. "At some stage (over the World Cup) we will have injuries, so we are going to have to deal with that as and when. The level of intensity of the 50 over game somebody is going to get injured," he said addressing the concerns.
It's no surprise that England are the pre-tournament favourites at the World Cup. And the team management is doing urs bit to encourage the players to embrace the excitement and anticipation. As for the pressure as one of the favourites, Morgan wants England to wear it well. "It's a huge compliment. I would much rather be going in as favourites than not even considered as contenders."
