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Eoin Morgan Labels Harry Brook's Captaincy As 'Baptism of Fire' Following England's 2nd Defeat vs Australia

Harry Brook and the England team (X.com)Harry Brook and the England team (X.com)

Former England captain Eoin Morgan described Harry Brook's captaincy as a "baptism of fire" after England suffered its second straight loss over five ODI matches to Australia. Australia, reigning ICC Men's Cricket World Cup champions, won by 68 runs at Headingley, their 14th straight ODI win.

Morgan admitted the difficulties Harry Brook faced in his initial games of a pretty inexperienced captain against a mighty Australian side. 

"I think the positives from Trent Bridge would have been the batting. Both Ben Duckett and Will Jacks, the partnership they formed, provided a good platform and a forward-facing, commanding score against a strong Australia side. Today, the positives are probably with the ball," Morgan said while speaking to Sky Sports.

While Morgan admitted England's bowling in the second ODI was nowhere near the consistency that Australia demonstrated, he did say experience does indeed play a vital role in a team's development. He also however said that there could be a drastic change in the ODI team.

"They weren't as consistent as Australia would have been if they had bowled first, but that comes with experience, consistency, and skill--traits exhibited by two different sides at different stages of their development. It is a baptism of fire for Brook at the moment, with some heavy defeats against a very strong side," he added." he explained.

"As some of the senior guys who will be available for future tours return, younger players have to make the most of their opportunities. It's an important period for this series and in the lead-up to the West Indies series, where opportunities may be scarce going into the new year and then entering into the Champions Trophy," Morgan concluded.

What happened during ENG vs AUS game?

During the game, it was England who initially looked as the better side after limiting Australia to 89/3 only to be pegged back by half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey. Off 67 balls, Carey scored 74 while a crucial last-wicket stand of 49 runs with Josh Hazlewood took Australia past 270. 

While chasing, England's top order failed against Australia's pace and were reduced to 65/5. However, Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell, with the lower order, managed to put up a fight.