|| India Correspondent ||
As England started their five-match T20I series with a win, England captain Eoin Morgan revealed what plans they hand in mind in the first T20 International at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. He said that they wanted to restrict India with their fast attack and they were successful in that too.
Both Jofra Archer (3/23) and Mark Wood (1/20) gave away just 43 runs in eight overs and claimed four wickets between them as India could manage only 124 runs for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Later, England reached the target with eight wickets to spare.
"That (to go with express pace) was certainly the intention. Jofra’s strength is that he can bowl really fast among others but certainly Mark Wood’s super strength is that he can bowl super fast. It is hard to do all the time but when he bowls like tonight it is very good entertainment," said England captain Eoin Morgan after the match on Friday night.
"The wicket was as expected. The plans were very basic — to bowl on a length and straight. Couldn’t ask for more from the bowlers… He (Archer) is excellent. Like our batting unit, our bowling unit has competition for places," further added Morgan.
Morgan, the left-handed middle-order batsman, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has said that competition within the English side helps them to do well.
"There is a huge amount of competition within the side and it is a huge boost for anyone scoring runs. When Jason (Roy) scores runs and does well, it is a good sign," he concluded.
On the other hand, opener Jason Roy, who smashed 49, said, "Happy to start with a win. I’ll take 49 and a comfortable victory for the team any day. The way we fielded was pleasing… batting against Adil Rashid in the nets helped me. You learn every time you play a game, with the number of games we’re playing, it should help me."