"This news is actually news to me" - Eoin Morgan surprised to be linked as Matthew Mott's successor but distances himself from the role

Former England captain Eoin Morgan has distanced himself from the national team's white-ball coaching role as Matthew Mott has come under the scanner after T20 World Cup 2024. The Irishman asserted that the timing is not right for him to take up the coach's position.

Mott coached England to their second T20 World Cup title in 2022, but the team has been on a downward trajectory ever since. England were the defending champions in the 50-over and 20-over World Cup in 2023 and 2024, respectively, but were unsuccessful in retaining their crowns.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Morgan, who retired from international cricket in 2022, said he is surprised to be linked with the role. He said:

"This news is actually news to me. It's not nice when a coach comes under fire and there is a lot of speculation about his future. Only time will tell about what will happen."

"I've been asked a lot over the last couple months about the role and whether I would take it on. My answer has simply been, the timing for everything in my life at the moment is not right."

The left-handed batter became the first 50-over World Cup-winning skipper for England in 2019. He triggered England's white-ball revolution after their 2015 World Cup debacle and it culminated in them lifting the coveted trophy four years later on home soil.

"I've got a young family" - Eoin Morgan

Morgan added that he has a young family and wants to spend time with them. He said:

"Yes, I want to coach down the line, but I've got a young family and I spend a lot more time at home. I'm loving what I'm doing, watching cricket through this."

England's next white-ball assignment is against Australia as the two sides will play 3 T20Is and 5 ODIs in September. Jos Buttler's captaincy is also under scrutiny after two failed World Cup campaigns.