Hero Morgan hits maiden Test century
EOIN MORGAN told of his pride after a magnificent maiden Test century put England in control of the first of a four-match series against Pakistan at Trent Bridge.
The Irish-born batsman, playing in only his third Test, smashed 125 not out in a record fifth-wicket partnership with Paul Collingwood (81no) as England recovered from a wobble to end the day on an imposing 331-4.
“It’s extremely satisfying, to score a Test match hundred in only my third game,” Morgan raved. “It’s a great achievement, and I’m very proud of myself. The feeling of getting to three figures was fantastic. It was a huge moment in my career.”
But while England toast Morgan’s arrival in the five-day arena, concerns remain over out-of-form duo Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook, who made nine and eight respectively as they crashed to 118-4 at one stage.
Just like against Australia last week, 18-year-old bowling sensation Mohammad Aamer was Pakistan’s instigator, enhancing his glowing reputation with the wickets of Cook, Jonathan Trott (38) and captain Andrew Strauss (45) in a devastating morning session, before Pietersen was clean bowled by his strike partner Mohammad Asif. That left Morgan and Collingwood at the crease and they transformed the game with a remarkable unbroken stand of 213.
“The major fact of my innings was I allowed myself to get in, in difficult circumstances,” Morgan added. “Paul and I set up a great platform for ourselves, getting past that swing ¬- and then took advantage when the wicket went flat and the ball a bit soft.”
Morgan was justifiably proud of his innings, given he was desperate to make an impression ahead of the winter Ashes series Down Under, and never doubted he could step up from limited-overs starlet to Test hero.
The Middlesex left-hander said: “I’m quite a confident player, and a guy who likes expressing himself.”