Cook removed as England ODI captain

London, Dec 19 (IANS) Alastair Cook has been removed from England’s One-Day International (ODI) captaincy, media reports said.

He will be replaced by fellow batsman Eoin Morgan who will lead the side in the tri-series in Australia after Christmas and the subsequent 2015 World Cup, which is less than two months away. 

The decision to replace Cook was taken by England and Wales Cricket Board selectors at a meeting Friday.

Cook’s tenure as captain ends after enduring a wretched form followed by growing criticism from former players about his ability to lead the side, which heightened after England lost 2-5 against Sri Lanka away from home.

He was appointed to lead the one-day side in 2011. But his form with the bat dipped sharply following the responsibility, with he managing just one half-century in his last 22 innings.