Eoin Morgan jeopardised his future as England’s one-day captain last night by confirming he will not travel to Bangladesh — despite the insistence of Andrew Strauss that it is safe to do so.
England’s team director expressed his ‘disappointment’ that both Morgan and record-breaking one-day opener Alex Hales had ignored the assurances of security adviser Reg Dickason and will snub the tour.
The rest of the England squad, together with coaches Trevor Bayliss and Paul Farbrace who were caught up in the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore, will travel to Bangladesh on September 29 for a five-week tour.
Strauss said: ‘While we understand and respect Eoin and Alex’s decision, we are
disappointed that they have made themselves unavailable.’
There was no attempt by Strauss to disguise his feelings in the short ECB statement which confirmed Sportsmail’s exclusive story last Monday that Morgan and Hales were turning their backs on their country.
‘We have had open and honest conversations with all the players about the security arrangements in Bangladesh and at this stage we are not expecting any other individuals to withdraw,’ added Strauss.
‘As with all England tours, the safety and security of players and staff is of the utmost importance to the ECB.
‘We will continue to monitor the situation, take advice and consider the appropriate steps up to and throughout the five weeks we are on tour.’
Not even the personal intervention of former England captain Strauss in weekend talks at Loughborough was enough to change the mind of Morgan, who has stubbornly refused to commit to the tour since July, when 20 people —including tourists — were killed in an attack on a Dhaka cafe.
It remains to be seen whether he keeps the captaincy for England’s tour of India in January, with Jos Buttler stepping up to lead the side in Bangladesh and exciting talents queuing up for their chance.
England have intimated any withdrawals will not be held against players, but Strauss warned Morgan last week that he was risking his place by refusing to lead the ODI team. – Daily Mail