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Paul Downton gives Eoin Morgan backing

ECB managing director Paul Downton praises captain Eoin Morgan following the team's early exit at the Cricket World Cup.

England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Paul Downton has given his backing to captain Eoin Morgan following the team's exit at the Cricket World Cup.

The Three Lions were beaten by Bangladesh on Monday to give them no chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

Morgan has averaged just 18 at the tournament so far after being appointed skipper of the one-day international side two months ago. His duck against the Bangladeshis was his second in five matches.

Despite his slump with the bat, Downton believes that the 28-year-old has performed solidly in the role.

"The reality is that Eoin was appointed literally two months ago. As an individual, I think he's done a really good job at leading that group," he told Sky Sports News.

"He'll be desperately disappointed that he hasn't scored more runs because every captain wants to lead from the front. He started with a hundred against Australia in the Tri-Series and we hoped that this would really free him up but he's going through a spell at the moment where he's not getting runs."

England play their final game of the Cricket World Cup on Friday against Afghanistan in Sydney.

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:England cricketer Eoin Morgan plays a shot during the fourth One Day International (ODI) match between Sri Lanka and England at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo on December 7, 2014
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