England captain Eoin Morgan under increasing pressure to commit to tour of Bangladesh but safety fear over terrorism are still high
The skippers' team-mates are falling into line and agreeing to go after security chiefs said they would be 100 per cent safe
EOIN MORGAN is facing increasing pressure to follow his team-mates and agree to tour Bangladesh.
Fast bowler Chris Jordan yesterday became the latest to commit to visiting the troubled country and one-by-one Morgan’s team-mates are falling into line.
If captain Morgan refuses to board the plane, today’s solitary Twenty20 match against Pakistan at Old Trafford will be the last time he leads England this year.
The game signals the end of England’s home international season and, following three one-dayers in Bangladesh next month, they do not play white-ball cricket again until January.
The absence of one of their captains — Test skipper Alastair Cook has long since agreed to tour — would be acutely embarrassing for England.
The ECB’s security chief, Reg Dickason, told the players categorically at a briefing on August 25 that they will be safe in Bangladesh. Yet Morgan continues to procrastinate.
Morgan has not even told close friends of his intention.
He is expected to make his decision public by this weekend, with the Test and one-day squads unveiled on September 16.
It would hardly be great leadership if skipper Morgan stays at home but he would be unlikely to lose his job after being a crucial part of England’s white-ball revolution in the past 18 months.
England supremo Andrew Strauss has also said a refusal to tour will not be held against players.
Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler is the one-day vice-captain and, if Morgan stays at home, he would take charge for the three 50-over internationals in Bangladesh.
So far, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali and Jordan have stated they will tour Bangladesh.
In fact, only Morgan and opener Alex Hales seem to have any doubts.
Jordan said: “If selected, I will definitely go. I’d just like to put that to bed now. When we get there, I’d like to think cricket will take over and we can put in some good performances.
“Whatever decision anyone else makes is entirely up to them and should be respected.”
Meanwhile, England are continuing to make the youngsters wait before getting a chance in one-day cricket.
Northants’ rising star Ben Duckett, 21, was not included in the 14-man T20 squad despite a string of spectacular batting performances for England Lions this summer.