Eoin Morgan has hailed the record 210-run win over New Zealand as the ‘perfect performance’ for a new look squad trying to bounce back from the disappointment of the ICC Cricket World Cup campaign.
Hundreds from Joe Root and Jos Buttler guided the hosts to their highest ever score of 408-9, eclipsing the previous best of 391 against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge.
Morgan also chipped in with a half-century and the one-day captain believes consistency is the key to building on the record-breaking victory.
“For a long time we have talked about playing a different ‘brand’ of cricket, an aggressive one, and we produced that but the real test for us is going to be consistency,” the 28-year-old said.
“That is as close to a perfect performance in a One-Day International that I could hope for considering that it happened in the first game of the series with a new-look squad we have selected.
“In terms of the method in which we needed to play, we didn’t have to look much further that New Zealand who have put those types of performances in for a few years and have showed that playing consistently is possible.”
Morgan reserved special praise for all-rounder Adil Rashid, playing in just his 7th ODI, who scored a quickfire 69 before backing it up with 4-55 with the ball.
“As a captain, having a bowler who can turn the ball both ways with the levels of control he had is a great asset to have in your side,” he said.
“Today was the ideal scenario for Adil to bowl; having 400 on the board allowing him to come in and settle before attacking more with the field and he was outstanding.
“For New Zealand, trying to chase down six or seven an over against a guy who is turning it both ways is always going to be hard.
“Over time there will be ups and downs for the side and today is a huge high and a great benchmark to set given the method we went about playing New Zealand.
“If we had been bowled out for 280 or 300 I would still have been as happy because we kepy putting pressure on them and that is how we have to play.
“If you look at the guys who score the runs today, they playing aggressive, attacking cricket which comes naturally to the players we have selected.
“That is crucial as over a long period of time we normally go in to our shells, that is just how we play cricket as the ball moves around in this country.
“However, slowly but surely we have to move to the other end of spectrum and stop playing safe cricket. This game has been a huge step towards that.”
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don’t miss the chance to watch England’s rivalry against the Kiwis continue with explosive white ball action and secure your seat now.