Moeen Ali has only thrown two overs and has hit a bat during England’s first two ODIs against Sri Lanka; The all-rounder played only one of three T20s against Kusal Perera’s men; Moeen feels he can play a ‘big role’ against India in test cricket this summer
Moeen Ali says he’s ready to take a ‘proper chance’ when it comes to England
Moeen Ali says he is not angry about his supporting role in England’s cue ball setup, and feels ready to take whatever “proper opportunity” is given.
The all-rounder Moeen appeared in just one of three T20Is against Sri Lanka last month, having been left out of all five in India in Ahmedabad earlier this year.
The 34-year-old has played in the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka, but his impact has been minimal, landing just one hit at No. 6 in batting order and throwing just two overs so far.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s third ODI in Bristol, in which England will look to seal a 3-0 sweep in the series, Moeen told reporters: “Right now I’m not bowling or hitting a lot and I really haven’t played in T20.
“Obviously I’m disappointed that you want to play, but we are winning, so there is not much I can say or do. I have no argument to say: ‘I need to change the order or I have to do this or that. ‘.
“That is not my way. Even when Morgs [captain Eoin Morgan] Tells me I’m not playing games, I never question I always feel like he’s doing what’s best for the team.
“I think in the past I let it get to me, which then affected my game mentally, but I’ve come to realize that it’s not me, just that sometimes it’s like that and it’s not my fault.
“Sometimes it’s easy to blame yourself or think I need to do more or change, but that’s not me, it’s never me. I just want to enjoy my cricket.
“I’m playing well. I feel internally for Worcestershire and in the IPL that I’ve been doing quite well, so when they call me I’m ready. When my right opportunity comes, I hope he takes it.”
Moeen has played only one Test since 2019 – he took eight wickets in Test 3 against India in Chennai in February this year before flying home as part of England’s rest and rotation policy.
The spinner says the cast against Virat Kohli’s men gave him a real boost and he is hopeful he can “play a big role” at home this summer against the same team, when the five-test series kicks off at Trent Bridge in August. .
Moeen expects Jack Leach to be England’s first-choice slow bowler despite the Somerset man being overlooked for the two-Test series against New Zealand as the hosts played a front-line attack on everything. rhythm.
Ali, therefore, believes that his best route to the side is as a second spinner.
The former Warwickshire player added: “It’s good to know that I can still get ground and do quite well in test cricket. Confidence-wise it’s good to move on now, hopefully for later in the summer.”
“If the weather is good, I think I will play an important role in the series in India.
“Leachy is pretty much number one. Unfortunately for him, he hasn’t played much, but I think England will go with him first and then if they need two spinners I’ll play.”
Regarding his hopes of being a point man for England at the T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman later this year, Moeen added: “That’s what I would love to do. I think to be in the UAE. is obviously ideal for me.
“Go there with the wickets hopefully turning a bit, you have a better chance of a game.
Catch the third and final ODI between England and Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.30am. M. From Sunday.
