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Eoin Morgan's Big Bash run is 'brilliant preparation' for World Cup

Eoin Morgan helps to set the field for Sydney Thunder
Image: Eoin Morgan helps to set the field for Sydney Thunder

Jason Gillespie says new England one-day captain Eoin Morgan has every chance of playing himself into form for the World Cup while on Big Bash League duty for the Sydney Thunder.

Morgan – confirmed as Alastair Cook’s successor in the 50-over format on Saturday - made the most of a brief bat in the Thunder’s 56-run win over Brisbane Heat, striking 12no off five balls.

Speaking after the match, Morgan said that he’s looking forward to leading “a very talented, young group of players” in January’s Tri-series against Australia and India, as well as the World Cup.

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Ravi Bopara believes that Eoin Morgan was the right choice to replace Alastair Cook as England captain and called Morgan a 'brilliant' leader

And Gillespie believes that 20-over cameos in the Big Bash could help to revive the new skipper’s poor one-day form after a year in which he averaged just 25.45.

“It’s a big challenge and it’s an exciting challenge, not just for Eoin Morgan but for English cricket,” said the former Australian paceman, now head coach at Yorkshire.

“This tournament will be brilliant preparation for him and all the England players participating in the Big Bash.

“I’m actually quite optimistic about England in this tournament now – and I’m sure Eoin Morgan will lead from the front.”

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Morgan had time to show one flash of innovation when he backed away from his wicket to run the ball between himself and leg stump, past wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson to the third man rope.

Gillespie said the shot epitomised the 28-year-old’s skill and versatility.

“It was an incredible shot and I suppose it just highlights the skill of Eoin Morgan and his ability to think on his feet,” said Gillespie.

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After leading Sydney Thunder to victory Eoin Morgan spoke to Adam Gilchrist, Damien Fleming and Mark Waugh

“There’s a lot spoken about him as a captain who can think on his feet and adapt to situations – that comes from his batting.

“That was a really good example of someone being able to identify a situation and be able to adapt to it really quickly.”

Former England batsman Mark Butcher agrees that the England and Wales Cricket Board were right to replace Cook as captain even though the start of the World Cup is now less than two months away.

“The timing could have been better and you can ask whether the ECB needed to be as categorical as they were in their support of Cook and should have made instead decisions based on form or suitability,” he said.

“But they have arrived at the right decision now and given England a better chance, a puncher’s chance, of causing a few upsets in the World Cup.

“I think we all know winning the tournament is probably beyond them but it’s now about getting players in form in the first XI.”

Watch England’s Tri-series against Australia and India – then the ICC Cricket World Cup – live on Sky Sports in 2015.

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