Morgan sees ODIs as a different ball game

MUMBAI: The last time England played an ODI series, last October in Bangladesh, Jos Buttler was stand-in captain with Eoin Morgan — the man who has led England’s revival in the limited-over formats — pulling out along with opener Alex Hales, citing security reasons. Naturally, more than England’s chances of winning its first ODI series in India in three decades, Morgan, during his first official interaction with the media as England captain, was quizzed more about his return in England colours after a sabbatical that fetched him a lot of flak back home. “I don’t regret that at all. I am comfortable about that decision,” said Morgan, who led England’s march into the World Twenty20 final in India last year, preferring to look ahead to the series. England has been in top form in the ODI arena, having lost just five of the 18 ODIs it played last year. However, the fact that nine members of its squad were a part of the recent Test badgering by India will certainly be playing on their minds. Morgan, however, said the Test series results would not affect the group. “They (the players) are very motivated. In India, regardless of which format has been played first, the side generally improves and since this side has been together there has been no backlash or repercussions from any performance. I don’t expect it (Test series) to have any effect,” he said. Morgan was excited at starting the challenge with two warm-up games against quality sides. While Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead India-A on Tuesday, Ajinkya Rahane will take over for the second game on Thursday.

“I think the two warm-up games have strong sides. It’s a great preparation to adapt and perform at skill levels that are needed to win here,” he said.