Eoin Morgan expects the Edgbaston factor to kick in as England take on arch rivals Australia in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.
Morgan’s men have won ten straight matches across all formats at the Birmingham venue, including their last four one-day internationals.
And with Australia on a 26-year ODI winless streak at the ground, the England skipper is confident his side can turn the screw.
I think it plays a part at Edgbaston and there is a reason we do have a lot of success there. The wicket tends to suit us but also the support as well.
Eoin Morgan
“I think that is part and parcel of being the hosts, a little bit of home advantage,” he said.
“I think it plays a part at Edgbaston and there is a reason we do have a lot of success there.
“The wicket tends to suit us but also the support as well.
“I think we have been supported so well throughout the tournament and we have thoroughly enjoyed it.
“The support we have had has been unbelievable and certainly something I have never experienced in my life.
“The amount of goodwill going around is fantastic, so we sense the support that’s with us, but also the opportunity as well.”
England succumbed to a limp defeat to Steve Smith’s side in the group stage at Lord’s but recovered to record wins over beaten semi-finalists India and finalists New Zealand.
The World Cup hosts have been on the right side of the Ashes rivalry in the 50-over format in recent years, whitewashing Australia at home last year and winning 4-1 away in 2017.
Birmingham native Chris Woakes was a shining light when the two sides met in the group stage and has been a force with the ball and in the field in the showpiece so far.
Woakes made his Test, ODI and IT20 debuts against Australia and has excelled against the Baggy Green, particularly in the one-day series win down under.
Morgan values the all-rounder highly and expects him to rise to the occasion on his home ground.
“Chris is an outstanding player,” he said.
“The Australians will certainly know everything about him, like we will about their players.
“We have played each other a lot over the last two-and-a-half years or so there is a lot of familiarity.
“He’s been a key player for us for a long time now, not only with the ball in the first ten overs, but with the bat.
“On numerous occasions, he’s delivered when we’ve been four or five down early and he’s had a part to play, so he’s a key player for us.”
