Moeen 'proud' to be on the edge of debut
Worcestershire all-rounder Moeen Ali is on the brink of making his England debut, in line for a start against Sri Lanka at Lord's this week, and he has dedicated the opportunity to his brothers and father.
Worcestershire all-rounder Moeen Ali is on the brink of making his England debut, in line for a start against Sri Lanka at Lord's this week, and he has dedicated the opportunity to his brothers and father.
Moeen's success has come mostly as a batsman in recent months, but he is set to play as a spinning all-rounder, batting down the order, come Thursday. He was overjoyed to be considered, saying it meant a lot to the Muslim community.
Moeen said on Tuesday: "I've played quite a few Test matches in the back garden with my two brothers and this one is quite different, but it's a lot more exciting, and I know they'll be proud.
"I know my brothers and my dad will be very happy to see me play, I'm more happy for them than anyone else.
"To do this for people of faith, and for the community where I'm from, and everyone from Worcestershire, I'm very proud of that."
Moeen is in line to debut with Sam Robson and Chris Jordan, and this could be the first time since 1988 that three players debut for England at the Home of Cricket. Australia-born Robson and Barbados Jordan have been in superb for this season.
Ali added: "All three of us were in Australia this winter on the performance programme and I know Sam and CJ really well. We're all excited that we could all potentially be playing.
"I remember sitting in Australia with CJ saying how much we'd love to play Test cricket together and it's really nice that we've both played ODIs and T20s together, and now hopefully Test cricket.
"Sam's one of the best openers I've seen in the county circuit, he knows his game inside out and is a proper rock solid batter and hopefully we can see the best of him in this series."
Latest
-
NewsDan Lawrence adamant he will stick to ‘unique’ batting technique in Test arena
The 23-year-old should make his Test debut when England start their two-match series against Sri Lanka.
-
NewsSteve Smith criticised for appearing to scuff Rishabh Pant’s guard in third Test
Former Australia captain Steve Smith was branded “childish” after an incident during the final day of their drawn third Test against India
-
NewsTim Paine admits he let the Australian bowlers down
Australia captain Tim Paine believes he was at least partially to blame for his side failing to bowl India.
-
NewsTesting times on tour in Sri Lanka – the life of an international cricketer
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is on his first overseas tour with England. Here he writes about his experiences so far in Sri Lanka.
-
NewsIndia salvage unlikely draw in third Test against Australia
India salvaged an unlikely draw as the third Test against Australia reached a thrilling finale.
-
NewsChris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
NewsRavichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
NewsInvestigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.
-
NewsJos Buttler determined to keep standards high with gloves and bat in Sri Lanka
The 30-year-old has Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow for competition in the England side.
-
NewsEngland’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.