Opposition One To Watch: Eoin Morgan

14 Jun 2016 | Cricket
Although Middlesex boast the likes Brendan McCullum and England’s newest T20 recruit Dawid Malan in their squad for today’s Royal London One-Day Cup match versus Glamorgan, this England star will be foremost in the Welsh county’s minds when it comes to keeping their visitors quiet.

Eoin Morgan has risen from Ireland and county batsman, to household name, establishing himself as one of the world’s best 50-over and T20 batsmen in the process.

The Irishman now leads England in both those formats and has played in two World T20 finals for his adopted country.

He has become notorious – as a former Hurling player in his native Ireland – as a wristy and innovative player, often utilising the reverse sweep and scoops shots to manoeuvre the ball in the middle overs and is particularly adept against spin.

His 16 Tests for England were a mixed bag – he hit two hundreds in his debut summer but struggled in the 2012 winter tour to the UAE against Pakistan – but since he has clicked into gear in ODI cricket.

Morgan’s average of 36.86 in 160 ODI matches, with eight hundreds at a strike rate of more than 87, speaks for itself. He has the ability to win matches on his own, as he has shown down the years for England with memorable centuries against South Africa and India in high-pressure run chases. Morgan favours extra cover and square leg with his fast hands and can hit down the ground when he’s in form.

Eoin Morgan In Numbers

Test Runs – 700 at 30.43
ODI Runs – 4756 at 36.86
iT20 Runs – 1399 at 28.55
List A Runs – 7980 at 36.60
List A Strike Rate – 88.09
List A Centuries – 14
List A Fifties – 46

Glamorgan's Royal London One-Day match against Middlesex starts this afternoon at 2pm.