Moeen 'gutted' that century was in vain

England

England batsman Moeen Ali was disconsolate after his side's defeat to Sri Lanka at Headingley on Tuesday, having batted for more than a day for a century that turned out to be in vain.

England batsman Moeen Ali was disconsolate after his side's defeat to Sri Lanka at Headingley on Tuesday, having batted for more than a day for a century that turned out to be in vain.

Ali scored 108 not out off 281 balls, and batted for more than 20 overs with number 11 James Anderson to try and save the game, but the fast bowler was out with the second-last ball of the game, and was reduced to tears.

Worcestershire's Moeen told the ECB website: "I am gutted, the hundred doesn't mean as much after the defeat.

"I would have loved it if we had saved the game but it is one of those things, it was a good ball right at the end that Jimmy got so I am gutted at the minute.

"He played so well and then he gets a ball like that. For him to bat the way he did and battle, he played really well, I am gutted for him and gutted for the lads.

"He was playing so well, with 20 minutes to go I was really confident, but at nine down it just takes one good ball to take a wicket."

When asked about his approach to the knock, he said he pushed down his attacking instincts and aimed to save the team: "It was one ball at a time from ball one.

"I like to play like that. If I play straight and be disciplined, runs will come. I feel like I know my game.

"I was just one ball at a time, just staying in the moment is important.

"I just wanted to bat and finish it for the lads, that was more important than the hundred."

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