England tour of Bangladesh: Eoin Morgan reveals security fears from past terrorist attack behind concern over trip

England ODI captain is not expected to make himself available for the tour o Bangladesh after experiencing two previous attacks while in danger zones around the world

David Clough
Friday 09 September 2016 08:25 BST
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Eoin Morgan is not expected to feature on England's tour of Bangladesh due to security and safety concerns
Eoin Morgan is not expected to feature on England's tour of Bangladesh due to security and safety concerns

Eoin Morgan's decision whether to tour Bangladesh must come in the next 36 hours, following his revelations of just why he is so wary about doing so.

England's limited-overs captain still remembers making a pact with himself, after previous exposure to security alerts in Bangladesh and India, that he would never put himself in that same position again.

The majority of England's players are understood to be sufficiently reassured after a briefing by security expert Reg Dickason to sign up this weekend to the trip.

ODI captain Morgan, however, is still wavering about whether he can possibly perform to his optimum in three one-day internationals which were given the go-ahead - following July's deadly terror attack in a Dhaka cafe - only after Dickason's favourable report back from his fact-finding mission.

A 'ring-of-steel' set of measures is being planned for Morgan's squad - and those who will then play two Tests under Alastair Cook's captaincy.

But the Irishman's memories are still vivid of a bomb exploding at a 2010 Indian Premier League match in Bangalore, and a violent backdrop to his short stint in the 2013/14 Dhaka Premier Division.

"In 2010 we played an IPL game in Bangalore, and a bomb went off in the ground," he said.

Moeen Ali confirmed he is willing to tour Bangladesh

"We immediately left and went straight to the airport.

"Another (instance) was (in) Bangladesh, playing domestic cricket during political elections - where things were incredibly violent."

Morgan and his team-mates must inform England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss during annual appraisals on Friday and Saturday whether they are prepared to travel at the end of this month - with both the squads due to be named next week.

Morgan said: "I think ultimately, as an individual, you need to be comfortable within yourself to be able to focus on cricket.

"I have been to places before when things have become a distraction - and once or twice when that has been security.

"I told myself I would not put myself in that situation again."

England bowler Chris Jordan has also announced he will be available

England are set to play under Morgan in Dhaka and Chittagong between October 7 and 12, following a warm-up fixture in Fatullah.

Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan and Liam Dawson have unequivocally made themselves available, Jonny Bairstow has hinted strongly he will be there too, and coaches Trevor Bayliss and Paul Farbrace have both declared they have no problem travelling.

Cook is also understood to have privately promised his presence for the Test leg, and the readiness of all remaining squad members is expected to be clarified early next week.

Morgan added: "You have guys who haven't toured before under circumstances like this - and I think given that nobody has toured there since the terrorist attack adds a bigger decision to it."

PA

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