Morgan steers England to ODI win over West Indies

Eoin Morgan’s 10th one-day international hundred was the key to England’s 45-run victory at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua as they went 1-0 up in their three-match series against West Indies

Morgan (107), dropped on just four, was patient and resourceful to help eke out a total of 296 for six, which proved beyond the hosts on a slow surface.

Liam Plunkett, with a career-best four for 40, and Chris Woakes (four for 47) did most damage to a chase undermined when West Indies’ first three wickets fell for the addition of only three runs after they had reached 36 for none.

Jason Mohammed (72) responded with his maiden ODI half-century, putting on 82 in 14 overs with Jonathan Carter (52), but England kept their composure to stay on top.

Morgan’s fine effort to overturn the disadvantage of losing the toss after a start delayed by heavy morning showers was therefore put into favourable context as his team began their final approach to the summer’s Champions Trophy with a reassuring success.

The captain figured in partnerships of 67 with Sam Billings (52), 110 with Ben Stokes (55) and 53 with Moeen Ali after coming to the crease at a sticky 29 for two.

Morgan had to contend with a sluggish pitch, a factor which played its part when he was through his attempted pull shot on 48 and hit by a Shannon Gabriel bouncer.

His additional helmet protection ensured he was unhurt despite being struck almost exactly as Australia batsman Phil Hughes was fatally in 2014, before the StemGuard attachment was developed to cover the side of the neck.