England’s World Cup Captain Reiterates Test Cricket as the Core of National Priorities
Eoin Morgan has rejected claims that The Hundred is responsible for England’s poor performance in the Ashes, calling such accusations “laughable.” The England captain, who led the team to a World Cup victory, insists that Test cricket remains the nation’s top priority despite recent struggles.
England’s 4-0 defeat to Australia has sparked widespread criticism, with Test captain Joe Root asserting that players are succeeding “in spite of” rather than “because of” the domestic structure. Root has advocated for changes to ensure more red-ball cricket is played during the peak summer months.
First-class cricket in England has increasingly been sidelined, with its season now compressed, while The Hundred took centre stage last summer in July and August. However, Morgan believes it is unfair to link England’s Test struggles to the success of shorter formats.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Morgan stated: “Blaming The Hundred is absurd. Test cricket has always been prioritised as the platform for elite players. Times have been challenging in Australia, but they’ve historically been tough in the Ashes. Our last two series there ended 4-0.”
He continued: “The Hundred is a tremendous achievement and mirrors Australia’s structure for domestic cricket. People are searching for something to blame, but the reality is simpler. Preparation hasn’t been ideal, and performances didn’t meet expectations.”
Morgan reflected on his career, noting the shift in focus from neglecting white-ball cricket to becoming a global powerhouse. “For most of my time, white-ball cricket was an afterthought, with 95% of energy devoted to Tests. Now, we’re seen as one of the best in the world in white-ball formats. I’d rather have that respect than return to being an afterthought.”
While Root’s call for structural reform continues to resonate, Morgan’s remarks underline the complexity of balancing formats in modern cricket. Both leaders agree on the significance of preparation and skill development to compete at the highest levels across all formats.
