Form of Buttler is joyful for Morgan

World T20: England’s ICC World Twenty20 hopefuls are free to discuss Kevin Pietersen, and his controversial absence from their campaign, whenever they want – they just rarely feel like doing so.

Unlike on the outside looking in, where Pietersen never seems to be far from the central topic, his name hardly ever comes up for debate between the England cricketers who have left him behind.

Eoin Morgan yesterday dismissed the suggestion that he, for example, might be tempted to discuss the reasons behind Pietersen’s non-selection for England’s defence of their only International Cricket Council trophy to date.

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The Irishman made it clear too, though, that there is no ban on mentioning the South Africa-born batsman – whose prospects of continuing his international career after his summer of contract wrangles may become clearer tomorrow when England are expected to name their Test squad to tour India.

Asked if the aforementioned is covered much in conversation by his erstwhile colleagues, Morgan said: “Not at all really. It’s probably out of sight, out of mind.”

Morgan prefers talking about people who are actually part of England’s Sri Lankan venture, specifically Jos Buttler and his 10-ball 32 not out in Wednesday’s win over South Africa just before England flew east.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” he said. “It gives everyone else belief that he can perform at any given time. I’ve been watching Jos train for nearly a year now, and he’s phenomenal.

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“The guy is brilliant – and we’ve all been waiting for this to evolve.

“The fact it has now is awesome, great for the team.”

In the immediate future, Morgan and England must prepare for the first examination of their credentials in today’s warm-up match against Australia – who have the advantage of several days’ extra acclimatisation under their belts, not to mention a victory over New Zealand too.

After one more practice match, against Pakistan, England will face Afghanistan in an important opening group fixture on Friday.

Morgan knows from experience those minnows must not be under-estimated.

“I’ve played Afghanistan before, when I played for Ireland, and have been on a losing side against them. So I won’t be taking them for granted at all,” he said.

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