ECB today announced that Eoin Morgan has replaced Alastair Cook as England One-Day captain with immediate effect.
England selectors met yesterday to pick a 15-man one-day squad for thetour to Australiaand theICC Cricket World Cup. Selectors recommended to Managing Director England Cricket Paul Downton a change in captaincy which has now been approved by the ECB Chairman. Cook will continue as England Test captain.
Morgan has captained England’s one-day side on eight previous occasions. The 28 year old left hander, who made his England debut in 2009, will lead the side in a tri-series against Australia and India in January ahead of theICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand beginning in February.
James Whitaker, National Selector, said: “We spent a considerable time yesterday discussing the make up of a squad that gives England the best possible chance of success at the World Cup which begins in less than two months. Having reviewed the recent series against Sri Lanka we came to the conclusion that there was no place for Alastair Cook amongst our strongest 15 one-day players and therefore recommended Eoin Morgan be appointed One-Day captain.”
Paul Downton, Managing Director England Cricket, said: “I have complete confidence in the decision made by the selectors and having spent time with Alastair yesterday he accepts that it has been made in the best interests of the one-day side.
“Eoin has held a senior role in our limited overs teams for some time and has impressed on the occasions he has led the side. I would like to congratulate him on the appointment and wish him, Peter Moores and the rest of the squad all the very best over the next three months.
“Alastair remains an integral part of England cricket and continues to have a vital role in developing our emerging Test side. I would like to thank him for his leadership of the one-day side since 2011, a period which saw the team reach number one in the world, Alastair lead the team to more wins than any previous England captain and also make the final of the ICC Champions Trophy. Alastair will now focus on an exciting and challenging year of Test cricket beginning with a series against West Indies followed by an Ashes summer culminating in a series against South Africa next winter.”
Eoin Morgan said: “It is a huge honour to captain England and I am delighted to be leading the one-day side. I firmly believe that with the players currently involved in the one-day set up we have the makings of a very good one-day side, a young side that can surprise people at the World Cup. We all recognise we still have a lot of work to do on our one-day game but the potential of this group of players is huge and it is now up to us as players to turn that potential into consistent performances on the international stage starting next month against Australia and India.”
Alastair Cook said: “I am gutted to be left out of the World Cup squad and it is likely to take me a while to get over the disappointment. That said I wish Peter, Eoin and the lads all the best for the World Cup. I would also like to thank all the players and fans who have supported me during my time as One-Day captain.”
The 15-man squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup and the tri-series against Australia and India will be announced today at 11am.