Eoin Morgan insisted he had never had any doubts about his ability to succeed at the highest level after a debut Test century left England well-placed in their series opener with Pakistan.
Morgan’s 125 not out helped England end the first day of a four-Test series on 331 for four.
Together with Paul Collingwood (81 not out), he’d so far put on 213 - an England fifth-wicket record against Pakistan, surpassing the 192 put on by Trevor Bailey and Denis Compton at Trent Bridge back in 1954, after the side had been in trouble at 118 for four.
Morgan’s century came in only his third innings at this level and was way in excess of his previous best of 45 against Bangladesh earlier in the season.
“It’s extremely satisfying,” said former Ireland international Morgan.
“To score a Test-match hundred in only my third game is a great achievement and I’m extremely proud of myself,” the 23-year-old left-hander added. “It’s huge - a massive moment in my career.”
Morgan, the first Irish-born batsman to score a Test hundred for England in over a century, since Frederick Fane made 143 against South Africa at Johannesburg back in 1906, might have been left out if Ian Bell had not been ruled out with a broken foot.
“I don’t see it in that circumstance,” said 23-year-old Middlesex batsman Morgan after an innings that will have bolstered his case for a berth in England’s XI when they begin the defence of the Ashes in Australia in November.
“I see it as an opportunity to score runs.”
Morgan, best known as an innovative one-day player, went to his century in style with a straight six against off-spinner Shoaib Malik.
“The feeling of getting to three figures was fantastic,” said Morgan. “I was glad he lobbed it up.
“I was expecting him to dart it in and maybe nurdle it for one. But when he threw it up I had to free up my hands and throw everything at it.”
England, who saw captain Andrew Strauss win the toss and bat, struggled early on in overcast, swing-friendly conditions, with teenage left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer leading Pakistan’s attack impressively with three wickets for 39 runs in 19 overs.
“I think the major factor today was I allowed myself to get in under difficult circumstances.
“It did a lot early on, but me and Paul set up a great platform for ourselves to get past that swing and we took advantage when the wicket went flat and the ball went soft.”
Morgan, asked if he’d answered questions about whether he had the temperament and ability for Test cricket, replied: “I think I have. I also think I’ve improved my game a lot and I’m still improving, especially in this form of the game, so hopefully I’ll have a lot more to contribute.
“I don’t think I have any doubt in my talent. I’m a very confident player and I like expressing myself.”
The controversial Umpire Decision Review System (DRS) was used in England for the first time on Thursday and Morgan might not have reached his hundred without it.
He had made 78 when he was given out leg before by Sri Lanka umpire Asoka de Silva off the bowling of leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.
But Morgan signalled for a review and was reprieved after replays showed the ball sliding past leg stump.
“I had a bit of doubt in my mind, but I walked down the wicket and Colly said I should review it, so that knocked it on the head,” Morgan said.
“It’s the first time I’ve used the system. It’s been a bit different.”
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