Morgan faces old team-mates as captain

In a selection as surprising as it may prove indelicate, England yesterday announced that the Irishman Eoin Morgan will be their captain in a one-day international against Ireland next Thursday. It is one thing to poach another country's player – albeit with their co-operation and understanding – but it is another then to ask him to orchestrate their downfall.

Morgan has never led England before and he is a temporary replacement for Alastair Cook, who has led the team in only five matches since he was promoted to the role. Clearly, the selectors feel that Cook needs a rest and that Morgan has leadership potential. Morgan's compatriots may see it differently.

The selectors have chosen a side for the future, resting most of the players who are playing in the fourth Test. Four uncapped players are in a squad of 13 – James Taylor of Leicestershire, Jonathan Bairstow of Yorkshire and the Durham pair Ben Stokes and Scott Borthwick.

England squad (one-day international v Ireland, 25 August): Eoin Morgan (captain), Jonathan Bairstow, Ravi Bopara, Scott Borthwick, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn, Craig Kieswetter, Graham Onions, Samit Patel, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, Jonathan Trott, Chris Woakes.