Eoin Morgan rubbishes investigation into historic tweets: "I don't really reflect on it"

NICK HOWSON: The England white-ball captain says talks with Alex Hales "will happen at some stage" but a return seems unlikely

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Eoin Morgan has denied causing offence in tweets being investigated by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The England white-ball skipper used Twitter to mimic the use of the word "sir" in 2018.

Jos Buttler is also understood to be the subject of an inquiry into a similar offence, as is James Anderson.

All historical posts are being scrutinised in the wake of the suspension of Ollie Robinson for tweets sent in 2012 and 2013.

"I don't really reflect on it," said Morgan, when asked about the ECB investigation. 

"If I call somebody sir on social media or anywhere around the world it is a sign of admiration and respect. 

"If that is taken out of context there is nothing I can do about it. I haven't looked into it."

The surfacing of the posts comes ahead of the start of England's summer white-ball schedule against Sri Lanka.

While Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran return to action for the first time since being given time off following the Indian Premier League, there is still no place for Alex Hales.

The trust issues which have existed between Morgan, Hales and senior members of the squad since the Nottinghamshire batter was withdrawn from England's squad on the eve of the 50-over World Cup show no sign of being imminently resolved.

^{Hales hasn't played an international for England since March 2019}

Ed Smith had suggested the 32-year-old could be phased back into a training group this summer during the end of his spell as national selection. But with Smith since replaced by Chris Silverwood, it is unclear whether those plans are still afoot.

Following another Big Bash League season in which Hales scored in excess of 500 runs, Morgan is unequivocal over the contribution he could make to England. But clearly, the issues run much deeper than just conversations about talent.

"When you look at the player that he is and the performances that he puts in around the world he is a very fine player," he explained.

"When you look at the players we have available to us at the moment we are spoiled for riches at the top of the order. 

"The longer you spend out of the side the further you get from that position that you once had.

"Looking at our top order, in particular, even outside our top three or four we have guys sitting behind that have dramatically improved their performances in an international shirt that are taking up positions."

Morgan added: "There are conversations to be had between Alex, myself and the coach and potentially a few of the players. Trying to get those happening in Covid times has been an issue. They will happen at some stage."