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Twitter abuzz with calls for KP's recall after selectors remove Cook as ODI captain

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ANI London
Last Updated : Dec 20 2014 | 11:26 AM IST

Social media exploded after the news of Alastair Cook being removed as England's ODI captain was revealed with selectors handing captaincy reins to Eoin Morgan in a bid to improve their chances at the World Cup next year.

With the ECB making such a big decision on the u-turn, there have been plenty of calls to consider recalling axed batsman Kevin Pietersen to the England team.

Cook, who had been appointed to lead the ODI side in 2011, averages only 27.52 in his last 20 one-dayers. He had insisted that he would not resign, during England's recent 5-2 drubbing by Sri Lanka, but a selectors' meeting on Friday took the decision for him, less than two months before the World Cup, The Mirror reported.

However, Morgan, who began his career with Ireland and has played 107 ODIs for England, is in a similarly poor run of form, averaging only 25.45 in his last 23 matches.

The end of Cook's reign as ODI captain came at the end of a turbulent year for the opener, in which he presided over a 5-0 Ashes series whitewash, which also ended Kevin Pietersen's international career, and is also calling for him to stand down as Test captain.

Despite previously leading the side to number one in the world, the selectors finally lost faith with the opening batsman following the 5-2 series defeat to Sri Lanka. And even coach Peter Moores, just days after backing Cook, accepted his captain was no longer worthy of a place in the team and had to go.

Twitter voiced some loud responses in cricket with former England paceman and current commentator Jonathan Agnew tweeting that as for Cook, it should be the best thing to happen for him. He added that the skipper should have a break, adding that he should not touch a bat for a while and then come back strong for the Tests.

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Former England batsman Michael Vaughan congratulated Morgan on Twitter before he posted another tweet, saying that it was the right call made by England, adding that now he hopes Cook can have a good break and then come back in the summer as the Test player they know he can be.

Former England wicketkeeper batsman Alec Stewart tweeted that however long it might, take tough decisions are generally the correct ones and added that the selectors have got it right in turning to Morgan.

England football legend Gary Lineker, who is now a sports broadcaster, tweeted that whilst the ECB reassess, they might as well go the whole hog and pick their finest batsman, hinting for a return for Pietersen.

The former England striker added that it should be a fresh start, with lessons learnt, and all that.

Meanwhile, Alex Hales and Ian Bell are reportedly the candidates to replace Cook as Moeen Ali's partner at the top of the order, with Yorkshire's Gary Ballance a leading candidate to take his place in the squad.

England would begin their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Australia on 14 February in Melbourne, the report added.

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First Published: Dec 20 2014 | 11:14 AM IST

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