BIG DECISION

Eoin Morgan given deadline to change mind regarding Bangladesh tour

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Without stating it in as many words, Strauss had warned players that their decision, one way or another, could have an impact on their place in the side. © Cricbuzz

Eoin Morgan, England's limited-overs captain, has reportedly been given a deadline of Saturday (September 10) to change his mind on the impending tour of Bangladesh. Despite a clearance from Reg Dickason, England & Wales Cricket Board's security director, Morgan has reportedly conveyed to Andrew Strauss, England's director of cricket, his unwillingness to travel to the Asian country that has witnessed terror attacks recently.

Following the deaths of 20 hostages and two police officers at the hands of terrorists in Dhaka in July, ECB was monitoring the security in the country closely. An ECB delegation, led by Dickason, paid a visit and returned to give the team a green signal for the tour. While Morgan remained sceptical and reckoned no player will be forced to go on any tour, Strauss stressed on the fact that the board was satisfied with the security arrangements and that he expected a full-strength team to get on the plane for the tour.

"Playing international cricket - or any cricket - is not about worrying about different things, it should be the best time of your life, it should be something that you are looking forward to and wanting to do well in and are able to focus on. I have been to places before when things have become a distraction and once or twice when that has been security, and when it has been I told myself I would not put myself in that situation again," Morgan had said on September 8, giving a subtle indication of where he stands on the decision. Strauss, however, had a contrasting view point altogether.

"We feel it's safe to go and I genuinely believe that and that is why I'm encouraging every player to use that incredibly detailed and experienced viewpoint from Reg to make a judgement," Strauss had said previously. "I think the reason why it's a good thing for players to follow the security advice is things remain very black and white, which is: if Reg says it's safe to go somewhere, it's safe; and if it isn't, it isn't. I think if you're making your own opinions, based on your own perceptions, then you're in a bit more of a grey area there."

Without stating it in as many words, Strauss had warned players that their decision, one way or another, could have an impact on their place in the side.

"I can't force anyone up the steps to the plane and say: 'You have to go to Bangladesh.' People have their own decisions to make. I think, at its most simple level, the big consequence for not going is you are giving someone else an opportunity to step into your shoes and stake a claim for themselves."

Apart from Morgan, opener Alex Hales has also expressed discomfort surrounding the prospect of such a tour but also feels he could lose his place in the side if he allows room for another opening batsman to fill in for him.

If Morgan refrains from altering his decision, his deputy Jos Buttler will lead the side in the One-Day International series, starting on October 7, before Alastair Cook takes over for the two Tests from October 20.

© Cricbuzz

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