Eoin Morgan and Alex Hales spark anger from England cricket chiefs as they confirm they will miss the tour of Bangladesh
Team supremo Andrew Strauss admits he is “disappointed” after failing to persuade duo on safety despite ECB review
EOIN MORGAN and Alex Hales officially quit the Bangladesh tour last night, leaving England cricket chiefs angry and confused.
Team supremo Andrew Strauss admitted he was “disappointed” after failing in all attempts to convince the pair the trip is safe.
In ECB language, that means a mixture of fury and bafflement at their refusal to accept the safety advice of security chief Reg Dickason.
All other players have made themselves available.
Morgan, 30, is likely to be re-installed as skipper for the one-dayers in India in January but his future will now come under greater scrutiny with a cluster of batsmen pushing for his place.
He claimed a bomb during the 2010 Indian Premier League gave him grave reservations about visiting Bangladesh.
But England management pointed out Morgan has been back to the IPL five times since.
Opening batsman Hales, 27, failed to score a century in 11 Tests and is unlikely to play five-day cricket again.
He will still be a key member of England’s white-ball squad and hopes to play in the Pakistan Super League in the UAE next February.
Strauss said: “Whilst we understand and respect Eoin and Alex’s decision, we are disappointed they have made themselves unavailable.”
Jos Buttler will now captain the team in three 50-over matches in Bangladesh.
The squad will be named on Friday and fly out on September 29.