England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan confirms retirement from international cricket

World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan has confirmed his retirement from international cricket, saying “the future for England’s white-ball teams is brighter than ever”.

Morgan had wanted to lead England at the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year but the 35-year-old has struggled with form and fitness over the last 18 months, prompting a change of heart.

He led a one-day series in the Netherlands this month but his duel issues were exposed as he was dismissed twice for nought in high-scoring matches before missing the concluding game with a groin niggle.

“After careful deliberation and consideration, I am here to announce my retirement from international cricket with immediate effect,” said Morgan.

“To call time on what has been without doubt the most enjoyable and rewarding chapter of my career hasn’t been an easy decision, but I believe now is the right time to do so, both for me, personally, and for both England white-ball sides I have led to this point.

“From my start in the international arena with Ireland to winning the World Cup in 2019, I have never lost sight of how integral family support is to any international sportsperson. To my Mum and Dad, my wife, Tara, and our family around the world, thank you for your unconditional support throughout the good and more challenging times in my career. Without you all, this incredible journey would not have been possible.

“I must also thank my team-mates, coaches, supporters, and those behind the scenes who have made my career and any successes possible. I am hugely proud of what I have achieved as a player and captain, but the things I will cherish and remember the most are the memories I made with some of the greatest people I know along the way.

“I have been lucky enough to play in two World Cup-winning teams, but I believe the future for England’s white-ball teams is brighter than ever. We have more experience, more strength and more depth than ever before. I look forward to watching on with a huge level of excitement.

“To what lies ahead for me, I will continue to enjoy playing at a domestic level while I can. I’m really looking forward to playing and captaining London Spirit in the second edition of The Hundred this year.”

Jos Buttler, the current vice-captain, is the favourite to replace Morgan as England’s white-ball captain.

England have a high-profile series against India, comprising three T20s and three ODIs, starting on July 7, before the same against South Africa which begins on July 19.

Having replaced Sir Alastair Cook as white-ball captain prior to the 2015 World Cup in Australia, Morgan overcame an embarrassing group exit in that tournament and led a revolution in English limited-overs cricket.

The Dublin-born left-hander encouraged a bold, fearless brand of cricket that saw both the one-day international and T20 sides rise to the top of the world rankings, with the crowning glory of the World Cup win at Lord’s in 2019.

Morgan made his ODI debut for Ireland in 2006 before switching allegiances to England in 2009 and will retire having played a total of 248 ODIs, scoring 7,701 runs with 14 centuries, as well as 115 T20Is, adding a further 2,458 runs and 14 fifties.

“It will be wrong to think Eoin’s legacy was just winning the World Cup in 2019; it is far greater than that,” said Rob Key, managing director of England men’s cricket.

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“As with all great players and leaders, he has changed the way the game has been played, and he has changed the way an entire generation and generations to come will play this form of the game. His legacy within the game will be felt for many years to come.

“He is, without question, the best leader I have seen. I wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”

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