Cricket: Cool Captain Morgan fires winning shot

Published on 23/12/2012 00:00

A rather young and inexperienced England side levelled this two match T20 series with thrilling win in Mumbai completed in the finest style when captain Eoin Morgan smashed a giant six straight down the ground off the final ball, writes Iain Fletcher.

What a finale to a match and England will be delighted in completing their highest successful run-chase in T20 and that it was a combined effort by the batting group. It was a completely different effort to the disappointing defeat on Thursday. Then only Alex Hales fired, but from the start yesterday, Michael Lumb attacked every bowler and raced to his first international half-century off only 30 balls. It also allowed Hales to be more circumspect and play himself in, something he did before accelerating so well that he scored 42 off 33 balls.

However, as good as those performances were, earlier poor bowling by England had allowed India to score an imposing 177. That meant England needed to be excellent throughout the whole 20 overs batting, not just at the top end and that is where Morgan proved so composed.

He finished with 49 off 26 balls including the match-winning hit, but actually it was his demeanour throughout the final overs that was impressive. When the ball was good he ensured at least a single was taken. When the bowlers offered width he punished, particularly through and over the off-side. He was helped though by a dashing cameo by Jos Buttler. He came in with the equation 23 off two overs. With two singles, a four past mid-off and a brilliant straight six he was on 12 in four balls. It meant not all the pressure was on Morgan and the final over needed only nine.

That meant singles could be taken without fear. That it came off the final ball just added to the drama.