Eoin Morgan: 'One-day international series is stepping stone for World Cup'

Captain Eoin Morgan believes that a "hard-fought" series with Australia can help England prepare for the 2015 World Cup.

England play the first of five one-day internationals at Headingley on Friday, and with several experienced players rested for the series, Morgan has admitted that it allows selectors to take a look at new players ahead of the next World Cup.

The 26-year-old told reporters: "We have a young, talented squad playing in this series and it can be a stepping stone looking ahead to the 2015 World Cup, because winning that is obviously a huge goal of ours.

"This series promises to be a hard-fought series for both sides, and really exciting at the same time."

Morgan hit 124 as England warmed up for the series with a six-wicket success over Ireland on Tuesday.