Morgan, Hales pull out of Bangladesh tour over security concerns

England's limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan has pulled out of the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh due to concerns about security, ending weeks of uncertainty over his participation.

Opening batsman Alex Hales also joined Morgan in staying away from the tour for the same reasons. Wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler will instead lead the team in the tour, featuring three ODIs and two Tests.

"Whilst we understand and respect Eoin and Alex's decision, we are disappointed that they have made themselves unavailable for selection for the Bangladesh tour," Andrew Strauss, England's director of cricket, was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"We have had open and honest conversations with all the players about the security arrangements in Bangladesh and at this stage we are not expecting any other individuals to withdraw from the tour. Final selection for the Bangladesh tour, will now take place on Friday," he said. "As with all England overseas tours, the safety and security of players and staff is of the utmost importance to ECB. We will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh, take advice and consider the appropriate steps up to and throughout the five weeks we are on tour."

Earlier, Morgan and Hales had expressed their reluctance in travelling to Bangladesh, where security concerns have sharply risen after a terror attack in Dhaka killed 20 hostages, including nine Italians in July.

However, Strauss insisted that it is "100% safe" to tour, after a delegation led by security advisor Reg Dickason, following a visit to Bangladesh, recommended that the tour should go ahead as planned.

Morgan, earlier this week, had shed light on his previous security scares he had experienced on the subcontinent.