Eoin Morgan to stand down as England white-ball captain

Morgan is expected to be succeeded by Jos Buttler, the Lancashire wicketkeeper-batsman who led England in the regular captain's absence in the Netherlands

Eoin Morgan is to stand down as England white-ball captain.

The 35-year-old, under whose leadership England rose to become the most feared side in the world, is understood to have taken the decision to step aside after several weeks of speculation and contemplation.

Morgan's form with the bat has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months - he has managed just one half-century in 26 innings for the national side - and it appears he will now confirm his decision prior to the start of the upcoming T20I series against India, which is due to begin at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 7.

^{Eoin Morgan is to step down as England white-ball captain [Getty Images]}

The World Cup-winning captain was the driving force behind England's remarkable transformation after their dismal performance at the 2015 tournament.

Just four years after that miserable early exit, Morgan skippered his side to dramatic victory in a super over against New Zealand at Lord's.

Under his leadership, English players were encouraged to explore overseas franchise cricket opportunities, and freed up to express themselves on the field. 

England won 74 of the 124 one-day internationals during Morgan's tenure, and 42 of their 72 T20Is.

^{Jos Buttler is expected to take on the captaincy [Getty Images]}

Morgan made two ducks in the recent ODI series in the Netherlands, before withdrawing from the third game of the series with an injury problem.

He had previously said of the chances of him stepping down: "If I don't think I am good enough or I don't feel I am contributing to the team, then I will finish."

Morgan is expected to be succeeded by Jos Buttler, the Lancashire wicketkeeper-batsman who led England in the regular captain's absence in the Netherlands. 

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