Morgan still eyes Ashes

EOIN MORGAN walked away from the Gabba haunted by the dreams which might have been.

While England are busy facing Australia in the first Test in Brisbane, Morgan will join the National Performance Squad in an attempt to gain some much needed action. Ian Bell’s majestic innings against Australia A in Hobart last week all but consigned Morgan’s hopes of appearing in an Ashes series to dust.

Barring injury or a rapid loss of form, the Dublin-born batsman will be forced to watch from afar despite enjoying an impressive start to his Test cricket career.

Whichever spin the 24-year-old tries to put on proceedings, only serves to illustrate the belief England has in their current side – a side which Morgan is not part of.

“At some stage I think I’ll play a part in this series. A five match series goes on for a very long time and especially out here it can take a lot out of you as a player, so I expect to play some part before it is over.

“I’ve put in a lot of training and hard work though, which has been great and then now to have the performance squad out here with us and to be able to play a game is a massive bonus. I only came into the side for Ian Bell when he got injured, so if the opportunity arises again then I’ll hopefully be able to take it.”

He added: “I feel like I’ve got a major part to play in this squad as does every person out here who doesn’t play in the Test team from the off. We’ve got to support the guys who are on the field, we’ve got to be upbeat with whatever is going on, and just help create the right atmosphere. ”