England now have drawn level to the five-match ODI series against New Zealand after their incredible run chase in the fourth ODI. England skipper Eoin Morgan has been leading this revamped side right from the front and he was impressed with his team's positive attitude.
Earlier on Wednesday, New Zealand posted a total of 349 in 50 overs and looking at the pitch at Nottingham one would have thought that 350 might not be a challenging score.
England opening batsmen Jason Roy and Alex Hales were off to a quick start scoring over 10 runs per over. The rain forced the play to stop twice during the second innings. England were aware of the fact that because of the D/L method they lost a close encounter in the second ODI and thus they were right on the money from the start of their innings.
England lost two quick wickets in the form of Hales and Roy. Both were hitting the ball brilliantly until they were dismissed by Matt Henry. But ever since then Morgan and Joe Root took command over the game and did not allow the Kiwi bowlers to settle down. Morgan especially kept on hitting the ball relentlessly until he scored that big century, which was due during this series. Root too scored his second century in this ongoing series. Morgan unfortunately got out in 113, but Root stayed till the end and ensured that his side will get over the line.
"The guys are pretty relaxed in the changing room and we're trying to keep things as raw as possible and concentrate on the process rather than the result and it seems to be working for us at the moment.
"I think the style is more important. We're trying to change something that probably doesn't come as naturally as other nations...It's very encouraging at the moment," Morgan told the reporters after their victory the Black Caps in the fourth ODI.
Former English cricketers Ian Botham and Nick Knight were all praise for Morgan, who has had a fantastic series so far against the Kiwis. He scored two half-centuries and a big century when his side needed him the most.
"The cricket was electrifying. I hope the Australians were watching! Eoin Morgan and Joe Root look in magnificent form. Morgan's hundred was terrific; it was incredible power-hitting from the captain. His hands are so fast through the ball and his head is still at the point of impact, so that he watches the ball right onto the bat," former England captain Ian Botham told Sky Sports.
"Morgan is in the form of his life but Root isn't having a bad run either! He's got timing and confidence – he hits the ball from the moment he gets out there. He picks his spot and places the ball well; it's not all about power – it's about knowing where the field is. He's doing everything that a man in form does. There are plenty more hundreds to come from this young man, not just in this form of the game but every form," he added.
Knight, the former England left-handed batsmen, lauded ECB Director's decision Andrew Strauss' decision to keep Morgan as the ODI captain.
"What has impressed me most about England in this series is their attitude and desire to take on the opposition. Eoin Morgan has been vital, showing his young side the way with three excellent innings, and the call by Andrew Strauss to keep him on as one-day captain, which was questioned at the time with Eoin having been incredibly short of runs, now seems very shrewd," Knight said.
"The decision to push Morgan up to No 4 in the order has also reaped dividends and I now feel England are getting the very best out of one of their very finest one-day players," he added.
