Root hails aggressive Moeen after Lord’s show

England captain Joe Root heaped praise on Moeen Ali after the off-spinner produced career-best figures to help the hosts beat South Africa in the first Test at Lord’s on Sunday.
Moeen, who started his career predominantly as a batsman, took 6-53 in the second innings for a match haul of 10-112 as England won by 211 runs at the Home of Cricket to go 1-0 in the four-match series.
The Worcestershire player also showed his importance to England with the bat as he struck an important 87 in home side’s first innings total of 458, which set up the big victory.
REPORT: Moeen snares six as England take series lead
Root credited an aggressive approach by Moeen as the key to his improving performances on the international stage as the teams gear up for the second Test starting in Nottingham on Friday.
The England Test skipper said: “That’s when he’s at his best, when he’s aggressive and attacking in his style. He gets great shape on the ball, puts a lot of revs on it and makes it difficult for the batters to line him up.
“When you have a spinner beating both sides of the bat, it’s very difficult to play against him.
“The way Moeen and the guys bowled was brilliant, and it gives us a lot of confidence going into Trent Bridge.”
Latest
-
News
Joe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
It was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Charlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
News
Joe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News
7 Tests with the most premature endings since 2000
A turning wicket caused chaos for batsmen on both sides as England’s first-innings collapse for 112 set the tone.
-
News
Pundits criticise pitch and England selection policy after heavy defeat to India
There were 17 wickets inside two sessions on the second day of the Test as Joe Root’s side suffered defeat.
-
News
India v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
England slump to two-day Test defeat against India in Ahmedabad
Spinner Axar Patel took five for 32 to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets.
-
News
England on course for defeat inside two days after collapse against spin
England were bowled out for 81.
-
News
Warwickshire bolster batting with signing of Pieter Malan
Paul Frabrace hopes Pieter Malan will help mentor Warwickshire’s young batsmen.