Birmingham: Former players are some of the biggest critics of the England team. It was no surprise that the war of words erupted when Jonny Bairstow said that critics were waiting for England to lose and them jump on the throat. Former skipper Michael Vaughan hit back quickly at Bairstow for being “negative and pathetic.”
The build-up to England’s biggest test of the World Cup, against India on Sunday, has been marred by the verbal duel. However, England captain Eoin Morgan on Saturday played down the issue suggesting that the team derives inspiration from the support of fans. “I think critics are there to be critical. We haven’t performed well, so they are going to be critical. They’re entitled to their own opinion. I think the support that we’ve had from our fans and everybody around the country has been unbelievable. It has been outstanding. There’s been an enormous amount of good faith and good will going around, and it’s making our tournament at the moment, it’s making it that much more special to be a part of and to play in,” said Morgan.
Apart from the injury concern to Jason Roy who is yet to declared 100 per cent fit for Sunday’s game, England are also sweating over pacer Jofra Archer’s fitness. “He didn’t bowl during the training on Friday. We’re going to see how he comes through on Saturday. It’s the same thing (side problem) he’s been playing with the last three games. If it’s going to rule him out long term, no. If it’s going to be short term, yes,” said Morgan.
Morgan said it’s a “huge priority” to win the game against India. “I sort of recall the Champions Trophy final (in 2013) that we played against India at Edgbaston. It was like an away game. Again, we have a number of fans in the ground, but just the noise that the Indian fans make with their horns and different things makes it that much louder. So, yeah, tomorrow is going to feel like an away game,” said Morgan.
