Bayliss: Moeen still a ‘batter that bowls a little’
England coach Trevor Bayliss insists Moeen Ali is still seen as a batsman that bowls a little after the off-spinner returned career-best figures in the first Test victory against South Africa at Lord’s on Sunday.
Moeen took 6-53 in the second innings for a match-haul of 10 wickets as England beat the Proteas by 211 runs to go 1-0 up in the four-match series.
ALSO READ: Root hails aggressive Moeen after Lord’s show
The Worcestershire allrounder, who also scored 87 with the bat in England’s first innings, has certainly come a long way with his bowling and still considers himself batsman first.
Bayliss said England will continue to pick a “number one spinner” with Moeen offering a more supporting role.
Speaking after the victory at Lord’s, the England coach said: “We’ll stick with one spinner and one batter that bowls a little. And that’s important for Mo more than anything.
“He wants to be in the team as a batter that bowls a bit so we’ve selected him as a batter and the second spinner. It takes that little bit of pressure off him. He does see himself as a batter first and a spinner second.
“And I suppose that doesn’t mean he’s still not our best spinner but his No. 1 job is to bat.”
The second Test starts at Trent Bridge on Friday.
Latest
-
NewsChris Silverwood hopes England batsmen can learn from quickfire third-Test loss
Silverwood would not be drawn into criticising the pitch.
-
NewsEngland players clash online over Alex Hartley’s social media comments
Hartley advertised England Women’s one-day international with New Zealand by referencing the men’s third Test defeat inside two days to India.
-
NewsNat Sciver excels as England wrap up series win in New Zealand
Sciver claimed three for 26 and hit 63.
-
NewsJoe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
NewsIt was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
NewsCharlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
NewsJoe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News7 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.
-
NewsPundits 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.
-
NewsIndia v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.