Jason Roy believes a score is just round the corner for England skipper Eoin Morgan, who recorded his second duck in a row against the Netherlands.
England wrapped up the three-match series with a game to spare in Amsterdam yesterday, winning by six wickets.
Netherlands learnt from their decision to put England in on Friday’s first game (they scored a record 498 in 50 overs). In a rain-shortened game Netherlands batted first, making 235 for seven, which England chased down with 29 balls to spare.
Roy, winning his 100th ODI cap, made 73 from 60 balls and his opening partner Phil Salt scored 77 from 54 in a stand of 139. England wobbled, with Morgan making another duck, but got home easily enough, and did not even require Friday’s centurion Jos Buttler.
“As soon as the result’s there and we’ve won the game, he’s happy,” said Roy of Morgan. “That’s just the fickle nature of the sport. If you’re behind the eight ball it’s quite tough but he’s an incredible worker, an incredible guy so I’m backing him for sure.
“He’s the captain of our side and winning games, so I think that means more to him than his scores which makes him more special to play under. He will be alright. He’ll be absolutely fine. He’s just a knock away from everyone being all over him again.”
Morgan lavished praise on Brydon Carse, who picked up one for 36 from seven overs.
“We impressed with the ball, it’s great to see Brydon come in and hit the series with plenty of energy and pace, and offer something different than we’ve seen so far,” said Morgan.
“Phil showed what he can do and contributing as he likes doing alongside Roy in his 100th game. Pretty amazing start, we stuttered, but recalibrated, got a partnership to get us over the line.”
The series concludes on Wednesday, the day before England’s final Test against New Zealand at Headingley. England lead that series, their first under Ben Stokes, 2-0, and meet up in Leeds tonight. With a Test against India three days after this one concludes, they will weigh up whether to rest James Anderson, with the Overton twins, Craig and Jamie, both in contention.
England women were due to name their squad today for next month’s Test against South Africa. This weekend Katherine Brunt announced her retirement from Test cricket
