England’s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.
Born in Dublin and brought up in Rush, Eoin Morgan represented Ireland at Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 levels.
He was selected in the Ireland squad for the 2004 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Morgan ended the tournament as Ireland’s highest run-getter, scoring 268 runs in seven matches at an average of 38.28.
Two years later, he was appointed Ireland’s captain for the 2006 Under-19 World Cup. The southpaw continued to impress as he finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. Morgan amassed 338 runs in six matches at an average of 67.60 and a strike rate of 85.35.
Following his impressive performances, Morgan made his international debut for Ireland against Scotland in a One Day International (ODI) in August 2006.
The swashbuckling left-hander played 23 ODIs for Ireland, aggregating 744 runs at an average of 35.42 including featuring in the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.
Having held a British passport since his mother was English, Morgan expressed his desire to represent the England cricket team.
At that time, England were one of the 10 full members of the International Cricket Council while Ireland were just an associate member.
For the unversed, only full member nations are allowed to play a full schedule of international cricket. Ireland achieved full member status only in 2017.
After playing a few match-winning knocks for England Lions, Morgan was selected in England’s 15-man squad for the 2009 ICC World T20.
He made his England debut against West Indies in a three-match ODI series in 2009.
Since then, the 35-year-old represented England in 225 ODIs and 115 T20I matches. He also played 16 Tests for England since making his debut against Bangladesh in 2010.
During his 13-year-old international career with England, Morgan’s biggest achievement was helping his side clinch the 2019 Cricket World Cup by beating New Zealand in the final at Lord’s. This was England’s maiden 50-over Cricket World Cup title.
Morgan was also part of the England team that won the 2010 ICC World T20 in the Caribbean.
Under his seven-year tenure as England captain, Morgan helped his side become the No. 1 team in both ODI and T20I rankings. He also secured significant series victories against all the major nations.
“To call time on what has been without doubt the most enjoyable and rewarding chapter of my career hasn't been an easy decision, but I believe now is the right time to do so, both for me, personally, and for both England white-ball sides I have led to this point,” Morgan said after announcing his retirement.
Eoin Morgan records in international cricket
Most ODI appearances for England: Eoin Morgan holds the record for the most ODI appearances for England. Between 2009 and 2022, Morgan played 222 ODIs for England. Former England cricketer Paul Collingwood is second on the list with 197 appearances.
Most ODI runs for England: Morgan has scored the most ODI runs for England. The southpaw accumulated 6,957 runs in 225 matches at an average of 39.75 and a strike rate of 93.89. He smashed 13 hundreds and 42 fifties in his ODI career. Joe Root is currently second on the list with 6,109 runs in 152 matches at an average of 51.33.
Most ODI sixes for England: Eoin Morgan has also hit the most ODI sixes for England. The left-handed batter has smashed 202 sixes in the 222 matches that he played. Overall, Morgan smashed 220 sixes in 248 ODIs playing for Ireland and England.
Most ODI sixes in an innings: Morgan also holds the record for hitting the most sixes in an ODI innings. During a World Cup encounter in 2019, Morgan smashed 17 sixes against Afghanistan in Manchester. He scored 148 off just 71 balls helping England secure a massive 150-run victory.
Most ODI fifties for England: The 2019 World Cup-winning captain has recorded the most ODI fifties for England. He smashed 42 fifties in his ODI career. Joe Root and Ian Bell share the second spot with 35 fifties for England.
Most wins as England ODI captain: Morgan has recorded the most wins as England ODI captain. Having captained England in 126 ODIs, Morgan recorded 76 wins - the most by any England ODI captain. He has a win percentage of 65.25. Alastair Cook is second on the list with 36 wins.
Most T20I appearances for England: Eoin Morgan has the most T20I appearances for England. Since making his T20I debut against the Netherlands at Lord’s in 2009, Morgan represented England in a total of 115 T20Is. England wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler is second on the list with 88 appearances.
Most T20I runs for England: Morgan has also scored the most T20I runs for England. The 35-year-old accumulated 2,458 runs in 115 T20Is at an average of 28.58 and a strike rate of 136.18.
Most T20I sixes for England: Morgan also holds the record for smashing the most T20I sixes for England. In 115 T20Is, Morgan has hit 120 sixes for England. Buttler is second on the list with 90 sixes.
Most matches as T20I captain: Morgan holds the joint record along with India’s MS Dhoni for most matches as T20I captain. Both Dhoni and Morgan have captained their respective nations in 72 T20Is.
Most wins as T20I captain: Morgan has registered the most wins as T20I captain. In the 72 matches that he led England, Morgan recorded 42 wins and 27 losses. He has a win percentage of 60.56. MS Dhoni is second on the list with 41 victories.
Eoin Morgan: International cricket stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | HS | Average | 100s | 50s |
| Test | 16 | 24 | 700 | 130 | 30.43 | 2 | 3 |
| ODI | 248 | 230 | 7701 | 148 | 39.29 | 14 | 47 |
| T20I | 115 | 107 | 2458 | 91 | 28.58 | 0 | 14 |
Play fantasy cricket with SportsAdda. Create your team, track your progress and win prizes. Start here.
Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates from the world of sports!
Interested in cricket betting? Click here to check out the list of top sites.
Featured photo: Glyn KIRK / AFP
