Visibly happy after registering an emphatic win in the World Cup opener against South Africa, England captain Eoin Morgan said he was satisfied with the team’s performance.

Its effort ensured the host got off to a great start in the global event. Ben Stokes’ all-round showing alongside a sterling bowling performance from Jofra Archer helped England win big. “Delighted to be off and running in this tournament. It’s more satisfying than normal,” Morgan said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

After being put into bat, the home side rode on half-centuries from Stokes, Morgan (57), Joe Root (51) and Jason Roy (54). However, considering the batting line-up and the attacking brand of cricket which England has been playing in the last two-three years, this was a sub-standard total put by Morgan and Co.

The England skipper admitted it wasn’t able to execute its plan with the bat due to the tricky nature of the wicket. “We were very good, the wicket didn’t allow us to execute our plan, which is to try and score quite a considerable total. But I thought the maturity and smart cricket we played shows the effort we have put in the last two years and the experience as well.” It was some disciplined bowling by the host, which helped it garner an impressive win as Archer picked three wickets, conceding 27 runs from seven overs. Liam Plunkett and Stokes also supported him by bagging a couple of wickets each as the trio dismantled the Proteas batting line-up.

Praising Archer, Morgan said, “It was a slowish pitch and he (Archer) bowled fast and accurate and it’s outstanding. He is taking everything in his stride at the moment and he is improving every day, and that’s very exciting.”