ICC World Cup 2019 | No favoured opponent for semis, says Eoin Morgan

After beating India in a do-or-die game on Sunday, England faced a tricky situation against New Zealand. However, the hosts came out as comprehensive victors in a contest that was largely one-sided. In reply to England’s 305/8, the Kiwis were bundled out for 186, handing England a massive 119-run win. It is now certain that the host nation will feature at the semifinals. They will play either India or Australia, at Edgbaston next Thursday. 

When asked if he had a favoured opponent among the two, Morgan, at the presentation, said, “No, not at all. Two very strong sides, but we’re just delighted we’re playing good cricket. We’re happy just to be in the latter stages.”

“I thought we were outstanding today. It started with the two guys at the top laying the foundation. Jonny going on to get a hundred, was match-winning today,” said Morgan, reported Cricbuzz.

Morgan reckons England’s relentless approach to ODI cricket as their hallmark over the last two years, is behind the team’s success. England came into the tournament ranked #1 in ODIs. Morgan hopes his team continues to deliver the energetic performances going into the business end of the tournament.

“The way we have batted in the last two games, I certainly think that has been our identity over the last two years - that the batsmen up top play with absolute freedom. Our bowlers have continued to take wickets throughout the fifty overs, and I hope this positive approach continues throughout the rest of the tournament,” Morgan said. 

However, things have been slightly different than what England came prepared for at this tournament. On grounds where they had scored 350+ consistently over the last two or more years, teams have found 270-odd to be a par score. Pitches have gotten slower, in some cases drastically, over the course of almost every match. Morgan admitted that it was the same against New Zealand.

“After the 25th over it started to slow up and every batsman who came in after that found that to be true. Getting to 300 odd was a competitive total. I didn't think it will get much worse today, but it did. It has been the theme of the tournament, that the wicket will get slower over the course of the game. If that continues, we will continue to bat first,” Morgan added.