Ravi Bopara has expressed his belief that Eoin Morgan is a "natural" leader and the right man to captain England at next year's World Cup.
Morgan has replaced the axed Alastair Cook as England's one-day international skipper, despite averaging 25.45 this year - less than his predecessor.
Essex all-rounder Bopara has also been included in the 15-man squad for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, and insists that Morgan is the "perfect" choice as captain.
He also feels that the Irishman's new role could help him return to his fearsome form with the bat.
"It was a tough decision for the selectors and the coach," Bopara told Sky Sports News. "Cookie has done a good job over the years that he has been captain. We know that he is a Test captain and he has got a pretty good one-day record – he led us to number one in the world at one stage.
"But naturally everything comes to an end – somebody has got to take over at some stage and I think Eoin Morgan is the perfect man for it. He's good to be around when he's leading the side – I think it gives him a bit more purpose as well. The Eoin Morgan we know hits long balls, is good against spin, can hit the ball anywhere.
"He's not a massive kind of bossy person. He quietly goes about his business. He's a big thinker about the game, even when he is not captain. He's a free spirit; he's just good to be around. He will have gained a lot of experience as a senior player in the Ireland side – he's a natural at it."
Morgan, 28, will captain England in January's Tri-Series against Australia and India before the World Cup begins in February.
Joe Fish
