Morgan defends his role in selection decisions
David Morgan, the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, spent much of the last 48 hours mounting a rearguard action against a wave of criticism following the naming of the England squad to tour Zimbabwe in November
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Morgan has been accused of putting undue pressure on the selectors to include senior players such as Andrew Flintoff and Marcus Trescothick, only backing down when Duncan Fletcher, the coach, agreed to a compromise whereby they could be rested in return for Michael Vaughan leading the side.
In today's Daily Telegraph, Morgan looked to quell the unrest by giving his side of the story.
He said that he was invited to sit in on a meeting of the selectors last week where he was asked if there were any conditions that needed to be considered regarding the tour. "I explained that as this was a bilateral tour, it was not like choosing a team for an ICC tournament where the best available team has to be chosen," he said. "But I did talk about the importance of the tour, the unprecedented build-up to the tour and there being proper leadership."
Morgan insisted that no specific names were mentioned at the meeting. He added that the subject was not discussed with the ICC either. "But as a director of the ICC I have a responsibility to protect the integrity of international cricket. We wouldn't welcome a half-strength team to England."
He also dismissed claims made by Flintoff that he told England's management last week that he was not willing to take part on the tour. "We are not in the business of covering up the consciences of our cricketers," insisted Morgan. "It would be nonsense to think that. We have respected the view of Steve Harmison and we respect Andrew Flintoff's view.
"If any individual develops moral reservations between now and then [the tour starting] it will be looked upon in a similar way. Why should it not be? My position and the board's position is very clear on this."
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