England's second string have "done themselves a world of good" with their performances in the ODI series against Pakistan, says captain Eoin Morgan.
Ben Stokes returned early from an injury lay-off to captain a hastily assembled side in the three-match series after England's first-choice squad were forced to isolate due to a coronavirus outbreak.
However, with Morgan and Co watching on from the sidelines, England's back-up brigade impressed in a 3-0 series triumph – James Vince scoring his maiden ODI century as he led a record run chase at Edgbaston to secure the third victory.
England's star names have returned for the T20I series, which starts on Friday, though Saqib Mahmood, who was named player of the series, and Lewis Gregory have been rewarded for their performances.
"They've done themselves the world of good, to be honest," Morgan said when asked of the players who stepped up to fulfil the ODI series.
"The one thing you look at when guys come in and out is a marked improvement from the time they [first] get the opportunity to the time the next opportunity arrives. The two guys mentioned [Mahmood and Gregory] and Vince were outstanding.
"I think everybody within the group was extremely proud to watch them play like they did, simply because it's the biggest compliment you can pay to anybody who played in the World Cup group, and the way we've played in the last five years has had such an impact on the game.
"Guys recognise that opportunities are few and far between but, when they do come, the method that the team plays is starting to resonate with people around the country, which is great.
"Over the last six years, with the amount of cricket we play, you don't get to enjoy the cricket as much as you'd like. But sitting back and watching the guys [and] the way the guys played was hugely satisfying. They played an exciting brand of cricket, they really enjoyed themselves, and the result came with that. It was hugely beneficial."
England have triumphed in five of their past six T20I home outings, and finished 2020 with three successive wins, meaning a victory at Trent Bridge will match their longest winning run on home soil in the format.
However, Pakistan won the most recent meeting between the teams last September, a five-run victory in Manchester in a series which finished 1-1.
One player Morgan will be unable to call on is Stokes, who has been rested as he recovers from the finger injury which had been set to keep him out of white-ball action this month.
"He dug us out of a huge hole coming back early from his injury and I think leading the way he did is a huge compliment to the leader he is within our side, how mature he has been as a leader and now a captain," Morgan said of Stokes.
"We gave him every chance to be fit. He hasn't played a lot of cricket and he's had some 'R and R' at home and feels quite fresh.
"The finger hasn't come along as he and the medical team would have liked, so it's important it's as good as it can be for the Test matches against India."
'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle to captain West Indies Champions in World Championship of Legends 2024
Chris Gayle, the T20 cricket sensation and former West Indies star, has been named captain of the West Indies Champions for the upcoming World Championship of Legends 2024. This thrilling competition, set to begin on July 3rd in Birmingham, UK, promises to be a memorable event for cricket fans around the globe. Gayle is an ambassador for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup being staged in the West Indies and USA.
Ajay Sethi, Chairman of Channel 2 Group Corporation, has taken ownership of the West Indies Champions franchise, bringing a new level of excitement and anticipation to the league. “I am thrilled to be part of the World Championship of Legends and to lead the West Indies Champions,” Sethi stated. “This league is a fantastic opportunity to unite some of the greatest cricket talents and provide fans with a nostalgic yet thrilling experience.”
Joining Gayle on the team are cricket greats Dwayne Smith, Samuel Badree, and Daren Sammy, making the West Indies Champions a formidable force in the tournament. Gayle expressed his excitement about leading the team, saying, “I look forward to rejoining my family in our quest to win the cup. It’s a delight to play more matches in prestigious tournaments like the World Championship of Legends and reconnect with our fans through this exciting format.”
The World Championship of Legends, approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board, will feature six prestigious franchises: India Champions, Australia Champions, England Champions, Pakistan Champions, South Africa Champions, and West Indies Champions.
Fans can expect an unforgettable experience with cricketing legends like Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee, Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis, Shahid Afridi, and Chris Gayle showing off the skills that made them champions of the sport.
Zampa reaches milestone as Australia thrash Namibia to reach T20 World Cup Super 8s
Adam Zampa hit a milestone as Australia reached the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup with a resounding nine-wicket thrashing of Namibia.
Leg-spinner Zampa took 4-12 to reach a century of wickets in the shortest format, as Namibia were bowled out for just 72 in 17 overs in Antigua.
Australia needed just 34 balls to surpass that total, with Travis Head's unbeaten 34 from 17 deliveries propelling them to a comprehensive win.
David Warner (20) was the only Australian to lose his wicket, with captain Mitchell Marsh (18 not out) hitting the winning runs.
Australia are now top of Group B ahead of facing surprise package Scotland on Sunday.
Tuesday's other match, between Sri Lanka and Nepal, was called off due to rain without a ball having been bowled.
The abandonment of that match in Florida means that Sri Lanka's hopes of qualifying for the next round are all but over.
Sri Lanka are bottom of Group D with just one match left to play, against the Netherlands on Monday.
Data Debrief: Zampa makes history
Zampa is the first Australian to reach the century landmark for wickets in T20Is, while his 12 runs conceded against Namibia is the joint-lowest total of any player for Australia from a full four overs in a T20 World Cup match.
Gerhard Erasmus was the only player to impress for Namibia. He scored 36 runs, 50 per cent of his team's total.
That is the highest proportion of any batter in a Namibia T20 World Cup innings.
Ronaldo as hungry as ever as Portugal set sights on second European crown
Cristiano Ronaldo will head into his record sixth European Championship as hungry as his first as he targets a dream second title with Portugal.
The 39-year-old scored 10 goals in Euro 2024 qualifying - only Belgium's Romelu Lukaku (14) had more - as Portugal cruised to the finals.
Ronaldo is no longer a guaranteed starter under Roberto Martinez, but he continues to show his importance for his country when called upon.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner struck twice in Tuesday's 3-0 friendly win over Republic of Ireland - his 34th brace at international level.
And heading into what could be his final major tournament for 2016 winners Portugal, Ronaldo is relishing the chance to go out on a high.
"For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love," Ronaldo is quoted as saying by Record.
"Any game is special. A European Championship is special. It will be my sixth, which is also a record.
"Playing in 2004, when I made my debut, or playing today, the feeling is always one of pride and passion. It doesn't get any better than this.
"The thought has to be [winning the tournament]. We have to be positive and take it step by step.
"Dreaming is free and this team has the talent to dream. Nothing can be achieved without work. We have to work and fight."
Ronaldo has found the net for Portugal in all 21 calendar years since making his senior debut in 2004, scoring 130 goals in 270 appearances.
The first of his double against Ireland was an unstoppable effort into the top corner, which he rates as one of his finest with his left foot.
"I need to rewind, but with the left foot it must be at the top," he said. "The most important thing is that the team played well.
"The objective was to win to give confidence. Whoever came on gave a good response, so I'm very happy with the result."
Portugal have won five of their last nine meetings with managerless Republic of Ireland, losing just once and drawing three times.
The Selecao head into their Group F opener with Czech Republic on a run of mixed form, having won three and lost two games in 2024.
Ronaldo played no part in the 2-1 loss to Croatia last week, while his place in the starting line-up against Czech Republic is far from certain.
However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is happy to put the team first and respect whatever decision Martinez makes.
"I knew I was going to rest against Croatia. I only started training on the sixth and I was preparing for today's game," he said.
"The most important is the game on the 18th [vs Czech Republic] - we want to start the Euros in the best possible way.
"I'm prepared in the best way. I'm 100 per cent a professional - this is my life. I dedicate myself to giving 100 per cent, not 80 or 90.
"I'm prepared to help the country. It's about respecting the decisions - play or don't play. Those who play give a good response."
Joao Felix was also on target in the win over Republic of Ireland - his first goal in his last five appearances for Portugal and his eighth overall.
Martinez's men follow up their clash with Czech Republic in Leipzig with games against Turkiye and Georgia.
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