Eoin Morgan praises bowlers after narrow victory over Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman's fourth ODI century put England under immense pressure in the middle overs of the innings but, after he was out for 138, the world No.1 side closed ranks and ensured they did not fall to a surprise defeat

Eoin Morgan heaped praise on his seam bowlers after his England side narrowly defended 373 in their second one-day international against Pakistan.

After a brilliant unbeaten 110 from Jos Buttler, made in just 55 deliveries, had put the home side in seemingly total control of the game at the Ageas Bowl, they were given a mighty scare as Fakhar Zaman led the Pakistani charge in the second innings.

Zaman’s fourth ODI century put England under immense pressure in the middle overs of the innings but, after he was out for 138, the world No.1 side closed ranks and ensured they did not fall to a surprise defeat.

The eventual winning margin was 12 runs as Pakistan finished on 361 for seven, and all bar one of the home attack ended with an economy rate over 6.5. But on a pitch which he described as “belting” the England skipper was not about to criticise his bowlers.

“All of the bowlers who were put under the pump, when we couldn’t take wickets throughout that whole 30-over period were brilliant. They reacted really well,” Morgan said, highlighting the performance of David Willey, whose final spell at the death cost just 17 runs in three overs and included two vital wickets.

^{Eoin Morgan celebrates with David Willey}

“I thought he bowled beautifully, even when he came back in that middle spell. He normally bowls a couple more overs up front when it swings. Today it didn’t actually swing that much - maybe six or seven balls.”

Jofra Archer sat out the game after impressing at the Kia Oval in the abandoned first ODI on Wednesday and Morgan was asked whether he found himself looking around the field and wishing he had the allrounder at his disposal on Saturday.

Morgan responded bluntly, saying that was not the case, before emphasising how pleased he has been with the way the England white-ball bowling unit has spurred each other on over recent years.

NOW READ: Buttler the 14th best in the world? Don't make me laugh

“I think they’re all pushing each other. It’s a bit like our batting unit in the past two or three years,” he said.

“A couple of guys out of this squad of 17 will miss out and it’s going to be a tough decision regardless, because of what they’ve contributed over the last period of time.

“For the last four years, David Willey and Liam Plunkett have reacted really well when they’ve been put under pressure. They probably don’t get the praise they should or other guys get but with the more pressure they’ve been put under, the better they’ve got.”

On Buttler’s extraordinary knock, Morgan said: “When he plays innings like that, that seem to be grouped closer and closer together, it means that we’re very fortunate to have him in our side.”

PLAYER RATINGS: Buttler and Zaman star... but Willey plays crucial role