Eoin Morgan confirms international retirement: "Now is the right time"

The 35-year-old steps down after seven years in charge of the side, during which he overhauled the culture, environment and mindset of English limited-overs cricket and led his team to become world champions

Eoin Morgan, England's most influential white-ball captain, has confirmed his retirement from international cricket.

The 35-year-old steps down after seven years in charge of the side, during which he overhauled the culture, environment and mindset of English limited-overs cricket, led his team to become world champions, and encouraged the domestic game to produce several new generations of exciting, fearless cricketers.

Morgan's place in the England side had come under increasing scrutiny in recent months, as his form with the bat dipped and his susceptibility to injuries increased.

In a statement ahead of a press conference at Lord's on Tuesday, he said he had made the decision after "careful consideration and deliberation". Jos Buttler will take on the captaincy. Morgan has not ruled out returning to the setup in a coaching capacity "down the line" but he will be part of Sky Sports' coverage of England's white-ball fixtures this summer.

^{Eoin Morgan has confirmed his retirement from international cricket [Getty Images]}

"To call time on what has been without doubt the most enjoyable and rewarding chapter of my career hasn't been an easy decision, but I believe now is the right time to do so, both for me, personally, and for both England white-ball sides I have led to this point," Morgan said.

The Middlesex batsman skippered England in 126 one-day internationals, winning 76. He also took charge of the team in 72 T20Is, winning 42. 

It was not just as a leader that Morgan inspired radical change in English cricket, however. He was among the first great innovators in English white-ball batting, using the sweep and reverse sweep to particular effect a lot earlier than many of his peers.

He retires having made 7,701 ODI runs - between his appearances for England and Ireland - and 2,458 in T20Is. He is one of a select group of players to have made 10,000 runs across three formats for England, and also made two Test centuries. 

^{Morgan was England's most influential white-ball captain [Getty Images]}

"From my start in the international arena with Ireland to winning the World Cup in 2019, I have never lost sight of how integral family support is to any international sportsperson" he said. "To my mum and dad, my wife, Tara, and our family around the world, thank you for your unconditional support throughout the good and more challenging times in my career. Without you all, this incredible journey would not have been possible.

"I must also thank my teammates, coaches, supporters, and those behind the scenes who have made my career and any successes possible. I am hugely proud of what I have achieved as a player and captain, but the things I will cherish and remember the most are the memories I made with some of the greatest people I know along the way."

Morgan will continue to play domestic cricket - he will lead London Spirit in The Hundred later this summer - and has not put a firm date on when he intends to retire from all forms of the game. 

EOIN MORGAN: INTERNATIONAL CAREER (England and Ireland)

Tests: 16 matches, 700 runs (ave 30.43), 2 100s

ODIs: 248 matches, 7,701 runs (ave 39.29), 14 100s

T20Is: 115 matches, 2,458 runs (ave 28.58; s/r 131.34), 14 50s

England will now begin life post-Morgan, with Buttler teaming up with new white-ball head coach Matthew Mott for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against India and South Africa. A T20 World Cup follows in Australia in October. Morgan's early decision to stand aside means the England setup will have plenty of time to readjust their leadership roles and balance its batting order to give themselves the best chance of success.

Morgan is confident the England under Buttler will continue on the same trajectory as the side under his command.

"I have been lucky enough to play in two World Cup-winning teams, but I believe the future for England's white-ball teams is brighter than ever," he said. "We have more experience, more strength and more depth than ever before. I look forward to watching on with a huge level of excitement."

^{Morgan will continue to play domestic cricket [Getty Images]}

Managing director of England men's cricket, Rob Key, called Morgan "the best leader I have seen" when paying tribute to the departing skipper.

"It will be wrong to think Eoin's legacy was just winning the World Cup in 2019; it is far greater than that," Key said.

"As with all great players and leaders, he has changed the way the game has been played, and he has changed the way an entire generation and generations to come will play this form of the game. His legacy within the game will be felt for many years to come.

"He is, without question, the best leader I have seen. I wish him well in the next chapter of his career."

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