LONDON: Moeen Ali is ‘a bit’ surprised that R Ashwin is yet to play in the ongoing Test series but if India stick to a specialist spinner strategy, the England official’s choice will be the ‘amazing’ Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja has been preferred over Ashwin till now due to his batting but that could change on Thursday at The Oval. character in the world,” Moeen said ahead of the fourth Test starting here on Thursday.
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“I will always have Jadeja in my team and I think India would have gone with four fast bowlers (at Headingley) after the win at Lord’s and Jadeja did a great job. He is batting really well. I am sure Ashwin has been considered and will be considered for tomorrow.”
Moeen, who has been named England’s vice-captain in the absence of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, expects the pitch to change a bit later in the game. The all-rounder took a hat-trick against South Africa at The Oval in 2017.
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“Most of England’s grounds spin a little bit anyway, some obviously more than others, but there’s always a little bit of spin.
“I’m not expecting a hat-trick (again) but a little bit of spin at the end. It looks a bit greener than what you normally see here. It’s always good for batting and bowling The wicket happens and at the end of the game the spinners (go into the game).”
The Lord’s Test against India earlier this month was Moeen’s first Test at home in two years. He has been in and out of the team but England also made him vice-captain for one game, indicating that he is now part of the leadership group.
However, Moeen does not think he has cemented his place in the team, though he has described his appointment as a great honour.
“Yeah, sounds amazing, captain or vice-captain England is huge in any form, and I’m very excited. I’m obviously not expecting Joe (Root) to go off the field, but if he If you leave, I am looking forward to the role.”
On not being settled in the Test team and playing regularly now, he said: “I think that’s the beauty of the game in a way, but I also know that Ben and Jos are not here. I am quite realistic. But yes, things can change rapidly and I think this role is great.”
He hopes to inspire more people from the British Asian community to play the sport.
“Whenever you are playing for England you are representing your people. For me, for example, I think I’m representing them and given the opportunity, I think maybe they’ll be thinking of cricket too, you know the chances are good, if you’re right. Doing things and showing you the right attitude towards the game.”
Moeen also expressed his desire to travel to Ashes Down Under if the COVID-19 big series goes ahead later this year.
“I want to cement my place in a team with a few games under my belt, I feel like I have found the rhythm of the game.
“The team in the next two matches against India and then in Australia look forward to putting in some performances to retain their place.
“A lot more information is needed for players and families to think about going forward. If the tour happens, I am very much looking forward to go and cement my place.”
Moeen felt that England were able to win and level the series at Headingley as the players remained focused on the task and did not engage in too many verbal fights with the opposition as seen at Lord’s.
He said, ‘India is expected to come forward with the intensity they have shown so far. We had a great first day at Headingley and played really well for the rest of the match. Just imagine that the focus was really on the previous game and the focus was on our own performance.
“As a team we’re really good at, I think, coming back from behind. Moving forward now is really about putting us in performance rather than taking us forward. We’re quite confident and especially After doing it in 2014 against India, I think,” he said.
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