Morgan says England seeking to avoid prior 'post-Ashes slumps' repeat in ODIs

Acting England captain Eoin Morgan has said that his side is bidding to avoid a repeat of previous post-Ashes slumps when they play Australia in five one-day international series starting on Friday at Headingley.

According to Sport24, England has won six of their last nine home one-day series and crushed the Australians 4-0 last year but they lost the last two post-Ashes series, in 2009 and 2010-11.

The report mentioned that Morgan, who is leading the ODI side instead of rested captain Alastair Cook, scored an unbeaten ton in England's win against Ireland in a warm-up match on Tuesday.

Stating that England needs to turn up, produce their skills and be counted at crucial times, Morgan said that he believes that each of his teammates is aware of the responsibility that is on their shoulders and what is expected of them.

With batsman Kevin Pietersen selected for the series despite recent knee problems, Morgan said that the hard-hitting right-hander could open the innings, adding that his presence is crucial in a dressing room full of inexperienced players at international level as he leads by example and is full of confidence.