Morgan hungry for more runs

Eoin Morgan is confident he has already answered those who have doubted his Test match potential - but is hungry for many more runs to make the point properly.

The Dubliner closed day one of the first npower Test against Pakistan at Trent Bridge with an unbeaten 125 out.

That knock formed the major part of an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 213 alongside Paul Collingwood (81no) towards 331 for four.

Asked whether he believes his maiden hundred - at only the third attempt - has answered some of the questions about his suitability for Test cricket, Morgan said: ‘I think I have.

‘I also think I've improved my game a lot and I'm still improving, especially in this format.

‘I hope I'll have a lot more to contribute in the future.

‘I've only played three games, so I've a lot to learn in the future - and more runs to score, I hope.’

Morgan was not committing himself about how many of those might come today - against an attack featuring the dangerous Mohammad Aamer (three for 39) - but he believes England have already put themselves in a very favourable position.

‘I'm far from a double-hundred. The pitch is starting to deteriorate quite a lot,’ he said.

Morgan and Collingwood needed to dig in at 118 for four after a rush of three quick wickets either side of lunch.

But it was only after he reached 78 that Morgan, who was to go to his hundred with a straight six off Shoaib Malik, needed the use of the decision review system to overturn Asoka de Silva's verdict that Danish Kaneria had him lbw.

‘I had a bit of doubt in my mind. I walked down the wicket, and Colly said “I think you should review it”.

‘The angle he [Kaneria] was coming from, he was always going to struggle to hit the stumps.’

Morgan was indebted to Collingwood then, and beforehand too as the pair batted England out of an awkward spot.

‘Paul is a great man to have around, with plenty of experience from a huge number of games,’ he said.

‘He keeps your feet nailed to the ground.’