Alastair Cook hails Eoin Morgan as England triumph (From Echo)

Alastair Cook hails Eoin Morgan as England triumph

10:02am Wednesday 3rd March 2010 in

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CAPTAIN Alastair Cook hailed a “fantastic” innings from Eoin Morgan after England beat Bangladesh by two wickets in yesterday’s one-day international in Dhaka.

Morgan smashed 110 not out to see England home and ensure the tourists took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

“It got a bit close for our liking but Eoin came in with a fantastic knock and deserved to win the game,” Essex batsman Cook said.

“He was calm under pressure and then dominated in the power play, it was a fantastic knock.”

Asked about the overall team performance, Cook added: “There are always areas to improve but when you chase down 260 on a turning wicket you have to be pleased with yourselves.

“We came here to win and have won the series but we can’t let our foot off the gas, we have to try to win the series 3-0.”

Cook made 60 from 61 balls the day after being left out of England’s provisional 30-man squad for the ICC World Twenty20 and added: “That’s out of my control, I can only score runs and hopefully lead England to more success.”

A modest Morgan added: “I didn’t actually know I’d reached a hundred, the scoreboard was a bit slow but I’ll take it.

“We stuck to our guns, the plan was to take it to the last over and use the short boundary and it worked well. We’re delighted with the win.

“It’s about sticking to your plan and knowing your areas, your strengths and being confident with them.

“Treddy (James Tredwell) wasn’t nervous at all on his debut. He was very calm, got me on strike and I managed to take advantage.”

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan admitted he thought his side were on the verge of a first victory over England.

“I thought we batted really well but Morgan played really well and according to his plan, full credit to him,” Shakib said.

“When they lost eight wickets we thought it was our best chance to pick up a win but Morgan stood tall.

“We have been scoring 250 consistently but we need to step up one more step so we can win some games.”

SCORES Bangladesh: 260-6 (50.0 overs), Rahim 76, Kayes 63, Bresnam 3-51, Swann 2-52.

England: 261-8 (48.5 overs), Morgan 110, Cook 60, Prior 42, Razzak 3-52, Shakib 3-32.