Morgan gets Test call as Colly rests up
TWENTY20 hero Eoin Morgan has been given the chance to stake his claim for a place in England’s Test side when the series against Bangladesh begins on Thursday.
Morgan, impressive during the recent World Cup triumph, benefits from the omission of Paul Collingwood, who captained the Twenty20 team to glory in the Caribbean but needs time off to nurse a shoulder injury.
Paceman Stuart Broad will also sit out the two Tests in order to undergo an “intensive strengthening programme” in anticipation of a busy summer and Ashes series.
That means giant fast-bowler Steven Finn, who made his Test debut in last year’s tour of Bangladesh, retains his place in the 12-man party, as does all-rounder Ajmal Shahzad.
Test skipper Andrew Strauss, who missed the trips to Bangladesh and the West Indies, is back to lead the side again, while paceman James Anderson also returns.
“Eoin Morgan has impressed everyone since his inclusion in England’s one-day squad and he now has the opportunity to play a role in the Test team,” said national selector Geoff Miller. “He has always held ambitions of playing across all forms of the game, and we believe he has earned his place in this Test squad.”
ENGLAND SQUAD | V BANGLADESH
Strauss (c), Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Morgan, Bell, Prior (wkt), Bresnan, Swann, Anderson, Finn, Shahzad