Sport

Eoin Morgan in winning cameo for Sydney Thunder against Brisbane Heat

Irishman will be England skipper at World Cup early next year

Eoin Morgan points to a team mate during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Photograph: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Eoin Morgan points to a team mate during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Photograph: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Sun Dec 21 2014 - 16:34

Eoin Morgan made a cameo appearance for Sydney Thunder in his first outing since his appointment as England one-day captain, contributing an unbeaten 12 in their resounding 56-run victory over Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.

The Middlesex batsman was handed the England national team role, replacing Alastair Cook ahead of the tri-series against Australia and India, and the World Cup in February.

Openers Michael Hussey (96) and Jacques Kallis (97 not out) had already done the leg work for Sydney before Morgan arrived at the crease for the final three overs. The Irishman faced five balls and smashed a four and a six to leave Brisbane chasing 209. It wasn't much of a contest as Brisbane were skittled out for 152 in 18 overs.

Andrew Flintoff was making his Big Bash debut for Brisbane but it was a performance to forget as the former England all-rounder conceded 25 runs in the two overs he bowled and was then dismissed for a duck.