Even before he took the call inviting him into England's Test squad for the first time this week, it had already been quite a year for Eoin Morgan. First there was the maiden one-day international century, which England's favourite Irishman hit in Bangladesh in March - even though a fault with the scoreboard actually meant he was unaware he had reached three figures.
Then he made the trip to the Indian Premier League, where he had to dodge the bombs exploding outside the home stadium of his franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore. On the way back from India he was forced into an extended, and unplanned, stay in Dubai as the volcanic ash cloud prevented flights from landing in the UK. "I wouldn't say stuck," he said at the time. "I'm actually quite enjoying it."
And well he should. Morgan already has happy memories of the place. When England made their first appearance in a match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in a Twenty20 international against Pakistan in February, Morgan was the man-of-the-match. He even trumped Kevin Pietersen, his batting partner, who had hitherto been England's go-to guy in the format, on the way to that prize. England batsmen, and not just the wide-eyed newcomers, have often been overawed by the experience of batting with Pietersen, not least when they have to try to keep pace with his scoring. Not Morgan. He thrived on the experience.
"The destruction capabilities are endless," Morgan enthused of his alliance with Pietersen in a post-match press conference, with all the zeal of an over-imaginative schoolboy. Having returned here two months later, en route from India, the ash cleared in time for Morgan to make his connection in the UK for the flight to the West Indies for the World T20. The Dubliner did much to bring about the ensuing win in that tournament. As a reward for winning their first global, limited-overs event, the England players were granted an audience with David Cameron, the new Prime Minister of Britain.
Not that Morgan is likely to have been overly star-struck. He was probably only too happy to call him Dave. "It's not every day you get to meet the Prime Minister," he said, in typically understated fashion, at his introductory press conference this week. He is never visibly overwhelmed. Which suggests his prospects of a long and prosperous Test career are positive. Morgan has already done more than enough in the one-day format to prove he has ice on the mind, as well as fire in his belly. He will not get an easier introduction to Test cricket today. England v Bangladesh, 2pm, Showsports 1
The side which starts England's bid to retain the Ashes against Australia in November in Brisbane is certain to differ from that which lines up at Lord's today. Paul Radley assesses how the team may look: 1. Andrew Strauss - On the plane. 2. Alastair Cook - On the plane. 3. Ian Bell (above) - Jonathan Trott's place is the least secure of the batsmen. Bell has done well at No 6, but he may have to be promoted to make room for Eoin Morgan. 4. Kevin Pietersen - On the plane. 5. Paul Collingwood - That the World T20 winning captain is not facing Bangladesh is a clue to the high regard in which he is held. 6. Eoin Morgan - The Irishman has been a limited-overs revelation, but Andy Flower, England's team director, is too astute to pigeonhole him as such. He has the perfect mindset to succeed on an Ashes tour. 7. Matt Prior - Similarly, Flower would have no qualms over installing Craig Kieswetter, the T20 star, behind the stumps. But, as the man in possession, Prior will have plenty of scope to impress. 8. Stuart Broad - Despite his occasional inconsistencies, a fit Broad is a certain Ashes starter. 9. Graeme Swann - On the plane. 10. James Anderson - On the plane. 11. Steve Finn - The Middlesex bowler has been given his chance because of Graham Onions's injury. Finn's height would be well suited to Australian pitches. pradley@thenational.ae