CRICKET:Eoin Morgan made a low-key return to competitive action in England yesterday as the Dublin-born batsman turned out for Middlesex's second team in a 40-over clash against Surrey at Old Deer Park in Richmond.

The 25-year-old was dropped from the England Test team following a poor run of form in the United Arab Emirates and failed to break into the Kolkata Knight Riders side in the Indian Premier League despite his ability in the Twenty20 format.

Having been allowed to return early to England, Morgan made 42 off 63 balls in the 40-over game against Surrey, sharing an 81-run stand with Ireland’s Paul Stirling, who went on to top score with 68 in a total of 211 for seven.

In reply, Surrey fell short by nine runs, with Ireland wicketkeeper Gary Wilson making 50 before departing in the final over of the game.