Cricket World Cup 2015: Why England's Key Player Is Eoin Morgan

Nothing seems to faze Eoin Morgan. No opponent. No match situation. Not even a potential blackmail plot.

England’s one-day captain seems unflappable, whether it is out in the middle batting, directing his team in the field or answering questions while placed in front of the media.

However, even he must be a little concerned by his lack of runs.

The left-hander did make a century in the recent Carlton Mid One-Day International Tri-Series. His knock of 121 against Sydney was in a losing cause but was viewed as a sign of hope.

The fact that the rest of the team managed 93 runs between them at the SCG also highlighted the importance of Morgan's innings.

Since then, however, he has batted three times, lasted 15 deliveries and made the sum total of two runs. That rotten stretch includes two first-ball ducks.

Looking back at the series in Sri Lanka at the end of last year, the Middlesex batsman did not fare much better. In seven innings, he amassed 90 runs at an average of 12.85.

Morgan is a pivotal player in England's middle order, a man whom opponents fear because of his ability to change games with his batting.

He has scored seven ODI centuries (including one during his career with Ireland)—the rest of his World Cup squad have managed 10 between them.

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England’s skipper always seemed destined to be a major talking point at the tournament. For so long, though, Alastair Cook was going to be that man in the spotlight.

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board decided to make a late change in December—Cook was out, Morgan was in.

But, the concern was that England had replaced one left-handed captain struggling for runs with another.

Cook had made one half-century in 22 innings in one-day cricket before being axed. In his last 22 knocks, Morgan has managed two scores of 50 or above.

The major difference, though, is in the way the duo play in limited-overs action.

While Cook always looked like it was not natural to be aggressive, Morgan has the ability to make it look ridiculously easy not just to find the boundary rope but also clear it.

He exudes an air of confidence, as if he is just waiting, calculating in his head, the perfect moment to attack. Morgan is willing to take on the field, even if there is a man waiting on the fence if he falls short.

That courage of conviction he shows with his shot selection also carries over into his captaincy style.

Stuart Broad, per ESPN Cricinfo, recently endorsed Morgan's leadership style, saying: "He’s an attacking bloke, he's a positive bloke. He will want guys who could stand up and win him games."

That positivity will be crucial; England have never won the World Cup. They have not come remotely close to doing so since the last time the tournament was staged in Australia and New Zealand, back in 1992.

A week ahead of their opening game in the 2015 edition, Morgan himself made it clear his squad are setting their sights high (h/t ESPN Cricinfo).

"

We're here to win the World Cup. That’s the bottom line. Like every other team, we're here to get the best out of ourselves, and us at our best, we can win this World Cup.

Maybe once, twice in a career you have an opportunity to go and win a World Cup. The opportunity is huge and guys are really looking forward to it.

"

If England are to follow up their captain’s words and lift the trophy, Morgan will be expected to play a major role.

As per usual, he doesn't seem to be fazed by the added pressure.