About England's Former Captain
Eoin Joseph Gerard Morgan CBE (born 10 September 1986) is a cricketer who captained the England cricket team in limited overs cricket from 2015 until his international retirement in June 2022. Under his captaincy, England won the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, the first time they won the tournament.
After England's dismal failure at the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Morgan spearheaded the team's white-ball transformation to a bold, attacking approach and unprecedented heights.
He led England's to its first global 50-over title at the 2019 World Cup, and the No. 1 ranking in one-day internationals and Twenty20s. They enjoyed series victories against every major team and 60% success on his watch.
“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,” Rob Key, the managing director of England men's cricket, said. “His legacy within the game will be felt for many years to come.” Morgan's teams have the three highest ODI totals; last week in the Netherlands they raised the world record to 498-4.
However, he scored consecutive ducks in the first two matches and missed the third with a groin issue.
His form and fitness have been in decline. Over the last year and a half, the 35-year-old Morgan has only one half-century in 48 innings in international and domestic T20s and ODIs.
“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,” he said.
He said "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.”
Morgan constantly contributed with his wide range of shots in white-ball cricket and with his leadership. He was going through a lean patch in recent times and fitness concerns along with it made him announce his retirement. Morgan thanked his family for the continuous support they provided during his playing days.
England allrounder Moeen Ali, who won the 2019 World Cup with Morgan, wasn't surprised by the captain's timing.
“The team for him still comes first, which just shows how unselfish he is,” Ali told the BBC. “He's done a remarkable job and he's the best we've ever had, for sure.” Morgan was also part of England teams that won their first global cricket title in 2010 at the World Twenty20 and captained the team to the final in 2016.
Morgan holds the team records for most ODIs (225) and T20s (115), and the most runs in both formats.
Ali lauded Morgan's "massive achievement” in changing the team's mindset, as well as being a great captain.
He said "I'm hugely proud of what I have achieved, but what I will cherish and remember most are the memories I made with some of the greatest people I know."
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