'Stokes lit up Lord's with boundary blitz'
Sunday 28 August 2016 13:37, UK
Eoin Morgan is benefiting from young county players pressing for spots in England's one-day side, says Michael Atherton.
Morgan struck 68 from 80 balls - his first fifty in 13 ODI knocks - as his side beat Pakistan by four wickets at Lord's on Saturday to move 2-0 up with three matches to play in the ODI series.
"I think the fact people like Sam Billings and Ben Duckett are pushing for places is good for Morgan," said Sky Sports expert Atherton.
"I don't think that just because you are the captain and you have done a good job over the last year that it insulates you and gives you a free pass to be picked every time the team plays.
"You have to justify your place in the team, even as captain - the young players will push him and others to keep showing their worth as they cannot be ignored for much longer."
Morgan and Man of the Match Joe Root (81 from 108) put on 112 for the third wicket as England reached their target of 252 in 47.3 overs.
However, Ben Stokes injected some pace into the run chase with a 30-ball 42, during which time he smashed six four and Yasir Shah for a maximum.
"The game didn't catch fire at any stage - except maybe when Mark Wood was bowling in the morning - but Stokes lifted it a notch," added Atherton.
"You get that feeling with the crowd and shots like the six [he hit off Yasir].
"It is very good to see him playing well and it will be a huge boost when he is able to bowl as well."
Will England wrap up the series at Trent Bridge on Tuesday? Find out by watching the third ODI from 1.30pm on Sky Sports 2.
