ICC World Cup 2019 | We defeated India last time they toured, so we’re confident, says Eoin Morgan
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Eoin Morgan has stated that he has had to face much more difficult situations than playing India in the World Cup and the boys are optimistic of securing a win. He went on to acknowledge the fan following the Men in Blue have, before addressing the criticism their team has been receiving of late.Â
Considered to be two of the strongest contenders of the title before the start of the tournament, India and England will face off in a highly-anticipated clash at Edgbaston on Sunday. However, skipper Eoin Morgan played down the fact that it’ll be one of the most crucial matches the team has played under his captaincy. Â
"No, I don't think that this game as the most important match for me as a captain. I have had more tougher challenges. the team has been together and we defeated India the last time they toured here so we are confident," he was quoted saying in a press conference by India Today.
The match will be the 100th ODI clash between the two cricketing giants with India leading England 53-41 in the all-time rankings. While England won 2-1 in a home bilateral series last year, India has two wins compared to England’s one in the matches played in England in the tournament’s history. Furthermore, the last time they faced each other in an ICC event at the same venue, India had ended up winning the Champions Trophy in 2013.Â
"We played India in the Champions Trophy final here, the noise that the Indians fans make can take its toll, but the guys need to be prepared for that," Morgan said.
Influential opener Jason Roy had been in a sensational form before he got injured versus West Indies and has missed four matches. Morgan stated that he is most likely to make a comeback against India.
"Jason is preparing to play tomorrow provided he gets through today's practice. We think he might be fit to play. We won't risk him if there's a chance he gets ruled out for a longer period. If there's a chance that he misses two weeks of action just because we rushed him, I'll take it. But I won't rush him, if it rules him out for a longer period," Morgan said.
After consecutive defeats against Sri Lanka and Australia, the hosts have received a lot of flak for not living up to expectations and bottling the good start they had to the mega event. Morgan though remained unaffected and instead chose to focus on the positives.Â
"I cannot fault the commitment of the guys. World Cup possesses a greater challenge than any bi-lateral series does, we need to be ready for any type of situation. I think critics are there to be critical. They are entitled to their opinions. The support we have had throughout the country has been phenomenal." he signed off.
