Moeen Ali - Performance Watch

[Bilal7]

Problem with him is that he bats like Gower one moment and like Afridi the next. That is what I was referring to while pointing out his inconsistency with the bat.

Also needs to learn to play balls that are chest high. Going to get a proper working over in Australia if he doesn't improve his technique against the short ball and we could have an another Jonathan Trott situation.

His only problem against the short ball is that he is too eager to play it. He batted very well in the last Ashes against the Aussies and had no problems with the short ball. Probably not a top four batsman but ideally, he shouldn't be batting below #5.

 

[street cricketer]

His only problem against the short ball is that he is too eager to play it. He batted very well in the last Ashes against the Aussies and had no problems with the short ball. Probably not a top four batsman but ideally, he shouldn't be batting below #5.

Nah he definitely has an issue against the short ball. He was a walking wicket against us when we were over there in 2014 and looked very vulnerable against the short ball. I thought he had worked on his weakness but he looks as vulnerable as ever. It is one thing to manage it in England while it's different to cope with the short balls at Brisbane or Perth. He definitely needs to improve his technique against the short ball.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

He is rubbish with the ball against even half decent opposition and cannot even bowl economically. Averaged 65 on this tour. However, his batting this year has really improved a lot and probably makes this weak English lineup on batting merit alone. Shows what a weak side England have become off late.

 

[Ind_Fan]

He was made a hero by India in 2011, got the short ball weakness exposed by the same team in 2016

 

[JaDed]

He was made a hero by India in 2011, got the short ball weakness exposed by the same team in 2016

2014* ,2011 was a terrible tour similar to the one England had now.

 

[FlickedOffHips]

averages 41 with bowl- i'm not gonna bother further.

no sense of the game situation with the bat . reckless and always a liability. number 7 at best.

 

[Bilal7]

Nah he definitely has an issue against the short ball. He was a walking wicket against us when we were over there in 2014 and looked very vulnerable against the short ball. I thought he had worked on his weakness but he looks as vulnerable as ever. It is one thing to manage it in England while it's different to cope with the short balls at Brisbane or Perth. He definitely needs to improve his technique against the short ball.

Just a mindset thing, in my opinion. He's played the short ball well enough on occasions and he's not a Raina against that kind of delivery. Very good player.

 

[street cricketer]

Just a mindset thing, in my opinion. He's played the short ball well enough on occasions and he's not a Raina against that kind of delivery. Very good player.

He doesn't drop his hands against the bouncer and fends at it in the most awkward of fashions. Yesterday he fell down to the ground while trying to play it and almost got hit wicket. Commentators were analysing his technique against short ball in depth with videos. He's as poor as Raina against the short ball, which is surprising given that he was brought up in the English system. It almost looks like he's scared to play at it and is caught in two minds whether to leave it or play it and ends up getting blocked off by it. See his last innings to know what I'm talking about.

 

[Ab Fan]

Rubbish with the ball..

Decent batsmen..

Stokes is much better. Got a fifer in India and won them a match vs Bangladesh.

 

[shaz619]

Moeen Ali is the dark horse to replace Alistair Cook as captain or at the very least be a prospect for the Vice Captaincy in the likelihood that Root is given the band.

Moeen Ali would bring a serene level of calm to the job of captain. He doesn't let anything bother him or get him too worked up. It is impossible to tell if he has had a good day or a bad day because he is so relaxed about the game. He understands that it is not the be all and end all to life and so he would help take the pressure of his players and let them fly with freedom Not only that, he has a bit of experience to and lead England U19 side in the 2006 World Cup to the Semi-Finals and often has captained for Worcestershire at the FC level.

 

[Big Mac]

Moeen Ali is the dark horse to replace Alistair Cook as captain or at the very least be a prospect for the Vice Captaincy in the likelihood that Root is given the band.

Moeen Ali would bring a serene level of calm to the job of captain. He doesn't let anything bother him or get him too worked up. It is impossible to tell if he has had a good day or a bad day because he is so relaxed about the game. He understands that it is not the be all and end all to life and so he would help take the pressure of his players and let them fly with freedom Not only that, he has a bit of experience to and lead England U19 side in the 2006 World Cup to the Semi-Finals and often has captained for Worcestershire at the FC level.

They'll never give the captaincy to a Brummie because the suits at the ECB and MCC can't handle our natural awesomeness. They'll either give it to one of them southern ponces because it's an old boys club or a northerner to stop thir incessant whinging.

There will never be a Brummie test captain, the powers that be know that once that happens then we will have a monopoly on it until the end of time. That's why England has had test captains from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Safrica, Australia, India, Trinidad but never Birmingham.

They're too scared

 

[Bilal7]

Mitahi is on me if Moeen gets the captaincy.

 

[shaz619]

They'll never give the captaincy to a Brummie because the suits at the ECB and MCC can't handle our natural awesomeness. They'll either give it to one of them southern ponces because it's an old boys club or a northerner to stop thir incessant whinging.

There will never be a Brummie test captain, the powers that be know that once that happens then we will have a monopoly on it until the end of time. That's why England has had test captains from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Safrica, Australia, India, Trinidad but never Birmingham.

They're too scared

Very true big brother, it's why I've limited myself to smashing Majid Haq like pies in the BPL there's little scope for progression at the international level for the Bear

Maybe Chris Woakes has a chance? I hear he has "integrated" well with the old boys club; although Moeen is a better leader then him.

 

[shaz619]

Mitahi is on me if Moeen gets the captaincy.

I do believe he has a chance in the future especially in the limited overs format, if England give him the opportunity ya''ll will see something very special from Mo #CalledIt #MarkThisPost

 

[Big Mac]

Very true big brother, it's why I've limited myself to smashing Majid Haq like pies in the BPL there's little scope for progression at the international level for the Bear

Maybe Chris Woakes has a chance? I hear he has "integrated" well with the old boys club; although Moeen is a better leader then him.

More chance of Woakes being dropped than getting the captaincy, look at how they're desperate to find ways to boot Moeen out of the team by getting the media to big up crappy club spinners like Rashid or chuckers like Leach?

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

I do believe he has a chance in the future especially in the limited overs format, if England give him the opportunity ya''ll will see something very special from Mo #CalledIt #MarkThisPost

I may be wrong but he always strike me as a mediocre odi player , his best chance should be T-20 for captaincy.

 

[HitWicket]

Moeen Ali is the dark horse to replace Alistair Cook as captain or at the very least be a prospect for the Vice Captaincy in the likelihood that Root is given the band.

Moeen Ali would bring a serene level of calm to the job of captain. He doesn't let anything bother him or get him too worked up. It is impossible to tell if he has had a good day or a bad day because he is so relaxed about the game. He understands that it is not the be all and end all to life and so he would help take the pressure of his players and let them fly with freedom Not only that, he has a bit of experience to and lead England U19 side in the 2006 World Cup to the Semi-Finals and often has captained for Worcestershire at the FC level.

No chance. Stokes, Bairstow, Broad, Buttler and probably even Jennings and Woakes would be ahead of him as vice captaincy candidates.

 

[shaz619]

No chance. Stokes, Bairstow, Broad, Buttler and probably even Jennings and Woakes would be ahead of him as vice captaincy candidates.

He is way ahead of Jennings and Woakes and has superior leadership qualities then the likes of Stokes, Bairstow, Broad and Buttler

 

[shaz619]

More chance of Woakes being dropped than getting the captaincy, look at how they're desperate to find ways to boot Moeen out of the team by getting the media to big up crappy club spinners like Rashid or chuckers like Leach?

Moeen is probably the most valuable player in the team across all formats, his captain and the ECB have always valued him although he could have been utilised better. The team understand that there isn't anyone else that can provide the same utility. Am confident he has a chance to be VC and his experience helps him to, if given the role Mo will accept it without hesitation.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

He has the most utility. No doubt.

Don't think he is the most valuable.

In fact, the moment England finds workable spinner/spinners for tests/LOI....Moeen utility will crash down and his bat has to do a lot of talking to even stay in the team.

While Moeen can have a decent LOI career, I don't see him lasting long in test cricket.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

It would be a great sight leading these firangi.

 

[shaz619]

Indians still burning from the spanking Moeen gave them

 

[Bilal7]

He has the most utility. No doubt.

Don't think he is the most valuable.

In fact, the moment England finds workable spinner/spinners for tests/LOI....Moeen utility will crash down and his bat has to do a lot of talking to even stay in the team.

While Moeen can have a decent LOI career, I don't see him lasting long in test cricket.

He score four quality hundreds last year against good teams, and was also very impactful in the last Ashes. He's going to be an English legend. Already has a cult following and is a major cog of the English side across formats.

His spin bowling would be a bonus in any other side and when England do find that quality, frontline spinner, Ali's bowling will go back to being a bonus. It's Adil Rashid that I am worried about.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

He has the most utility. No doubt.

Don't think he is the most valuable.

In fact, the moment England finds workable spinner/spinners for tests/LOI....Moeen utility will crash down and his bat has to do a lot of talking to even stay in the team.

While Moeen can have a decent LOI career, I don't see him lasting long in test cricket.

Actually just checked his record , very poor odi record , less than 27 average with the bat and more than 47 with the ball, if he some how becomes odi captain then he will be another Azhar Ali or Vaughan.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

He score four quality hundreds last year against good teams, and was also very impactful in the last Ashes. He's going to be an English legend. Already has a cult following and is a major cog of the English side across formats.

His spin bowling would be a bonus in any other side and when England do find that quality, frontline spinner, Ali's bowling will go back to being a bonus. It's Adil Rashid that I am worried about.

He had some very good tests at home with the bat. Some truly clutch knocks.

But he was largely unimpactful in India. Yes, he did score two 100s but played way too many airy fairy shots and put England in pressure.

Looking at his domestic records, it does look like he is more successful in tests than lois.

Just don't see him as a consistent performer. Hard to rate where he stands accurately.

Is very entertaining to watch though.

 

[Big Mac]

He score four quality hundreds last year against good teams, and was also very impactful in the last Ashes. He's going to be an English legend. Already has a cult following and is a major cog of the English side across formats.

His spin bowling would be a bonus in any other side and when England do find that quality, frontline spinner, Ali's bowling will go back to being a bonus. It's Adil Rashid that I am worried about.

Why? I've been trying to tell everyone that Rashid is crap for ages, the only value he provides is in pyjama cricket where long hops and full tosses become wicket taking deliveries.

 

[Mamoon]

Moeen will be a flop captain like Amla.

Root to captain in Tests and if he finds the workload difficult in all three formats, Buttler should succeed Morgan in LOIs.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

To be fair to him, he did help England by scoring a 100 in first innings in India TWICE.

So would be unfair to call him unimpactful but apart from those 2 knocks, he virtually did nothing (throwing his wicket away at crucial junctures many times) which I guess led to that perception.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Actually just checked his record , very poor odi record , less than 27 average with the bat and more than 47 with the ball, if he some how becomes odi captain then he will be another Azhar Ali or Vaughan.

Yeah he doesn't have the stats in LOI but he does look like someone who has the game for LOI.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

He had some very good tests at home with the bat. Some truly clutch knocks.

But he was largely unimpactful in India. Yes, he did score two 100s but played way too many airy fairy shots and put England in pressure.

Looking at his domestic records, it does look like he is more successful in tests than lois.

Just don't see him as a consistent performer. Hard to rate where he stands accurately.

Is very entertaining to watch though.

Actually Ali reminds me of Afridi , great in one odd inning then goes missing in handful of matches and then suddenly another impactful inning either with bat or ball, no consistency .

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Actually Ali reminds me of Afridi , great in one odd inning then goes missing in handful of matches and then suddenly another impactful inning either with bat or ball, no consistency .

The lack of consistency mixed in with some atrocious dismissals can hurt him.

If he turns over a leaf, who knows...he may have a decent career.

But he has to sort his short ball issues...he is absolutely woeful against well directed bouncers.

 

[Bilal7]

Why? I've been trying to tell everyone that Rashid is crap for ages, the only value he provides is in pyjama cricket where long hops and full tosses become wicket taking deliveries.

Well, I want Rashid to become a better bowler so he can enjoy a fruitful English career as well.

He had some very good tests at home with the bat. Some truly clutch knocks.

But he was largely unimpactful in India. Yes, he did score two 100s but played way too many airy fairy shots and put England in pressure.

Looking at his domestic records, it does look like he is more successful in tests than lois.

Just don't see him as a consistent performer. Hard to rate where he stands accurately.

Is very entertaining to watch though.

How do these "airy fairy" shots put the team under pressure if he's scoring centuries? He was England's second best batsman on that tour and outbatted the "ATG" Cook.

You don't see consistency because there is no consistency with his batting position. He's been asked to fill whatever hole England have had in their team and he has done that without any whinging, yet another reason why he is one of their MVPs across formats.

I don't think he's captaincy material though. He's too nice to be a successful captain but will be a leader in the dressing room regardless.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Well, I want Rashid to become a better bowler so he can enjoy a fruitful English career as well.



How do these "airy fairy" shots put the team under pressure if he's scoring centuries? He was England's second best batsman on that tour and outbatted the "ATG" Cook.

You don't see consistency because there is no consistency with his batting position. He's been asked to fill whatever hole England have had in their team and he has done that without any whinging, yet another reason why he is one of their MVPs across formats.

I don't think he's captaincy material though. He's too nice to be a successful captain but will be a leader in the dressing room regardless.

Airy fairy shots add to the pressure.

He threw away his wicket in Mohali which led to Stokes wicket and England instead of being one down...were three down at the end of the day.

He threw away his wicket in Chennai to Jaddu which started a collapse and England lost an almost unlosable game.

Then there were some shots were he tried to hook pacers only to sky the ball.

He isn't responsible for others failures but his airy fairy shots at the wrong moment has ensured England slip in crucial moments.

 

[Bilal7]

Airy fairy shots add to the pressure.

He threw away his wicket in Mohali which led to Stokes wicket and England instead of being one down...were three down at the end of the day.

He threw away his wicket in Chennai to Jaddu which started a collapse and England lost an almost unlosable game.

Then there were some shots were he tried to hook pacers only to sky the ball.

He isn't responsible for others failures but his airy fairy shots at the wrong moment has ensured England slip in crucial moments.

Well, if he started getting 200s instead of 100s, he would be right up there as a world class batsman. Right now, he's a good player and I am not saying that he is anything more. What I take issue with is you saying that he wasn't impactful in India or that he won't be in the side if England find a proper spinner (Which they won't for a long time but that is a different debate).

He should be given the #4 or #5 spot for the whole English summer.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Well, if he started getting 200s instead of 100s, he would be right up there as a world class batsman. Right now, he's a good player and I am not saying that he is anything more. What I take issue with is you saying that he wasn't impactful in India or that he won't be in the side if England find a proper spinner (Which they won't for a long time but that is a different debate).

He should be given the #4 or #5 spot for the whole English summer.

See post #1872. I agree with you on that impact regard in India. Just one of those times when I say something and then upon reflection change my views. Haha.

As for the consistency, Moeen doesn't need to score 200s to help England more. He just needs to do more in the rest of the innings and not throw his wicket away.

 

[HitWicket]

He is way ahead of Jennings and Woakes and has superior leadership qualities then the likes of Stokes, Bairstow, Broad and Buttler

Doubt it, Jennings is clearly being groomed as a future potential captaincy option and although it's too early right now to suddenly load the full job on him it'd wouldn't exactly be a huge shock to suddenly see him as vice captain (albeit unlikely right now). Woakes also captained the lions and Warwickshire a fair few times, quite possibly even with Moeen playing in the team whilst he was captaining the lions?

In response to him being the most valuable player, I think he's also the most vulnerable. All it takes is a good spinner to finally come along at some point (Crane in the future? Leach if he has another good season?) and his place as the lead spinner would look pretty touch and go. Added to that I expect he'll be back down at 8 in tests come the summer.

 

[shaz619]

Doubt it, Jennings is clearly being groomed as a future potential captaincy option and although it's too early right now to suddenly load the full job on him it'd wouldn't exactly be a huge shock to suddenly see him as vice captain (albeit unlikely right now). Woakes also captained the lions and Warwickshire a fair few times, quite possibly even with Moeen playing in the team whilst he was captaining the lions?

In response to him being the most valuable player, I think he's also the most vulnerable. All it takes is a good spinner to finally come along at some point (Crane in the future? Leach if he has another good season?) and his place as the lead spinner would look pretty touch and go. Added to that I expect he'll be back down at 8 in tests come the summer.

Leadership comes very naturally to Mo, Andy Pick identified this from an early stage and immediately made him the U-19 captain where Mo would lead England to the semis in the World Cup which was a great achievement; at the FC level he has often captained for Worcestershire many a time to. Mo wasn't there at Warwickshire for long, the set up did little to elevate his development. Woakes is certainly a prospect as well and did well in his debut as a leader helping his team defeat Lanka in Lanka 1-0 during a three match unofficial Test series.

That would only further cement Ali's place in the team because he'd focus on his batting a lot more which we've only scratched the surface with, he has been wasted down the order too long and what people don't realise is that he has been learning spin at the Test level itself which is not ideal but he has not done too bad for himself. Rashid is there for now and England value Mo's role in the team so guys like Crane etc will be spending a bit more time in county cricket.

 

[HitWicket]

Leadership comes very naturally to Mo, Andy Pick identified this from an early stage and immediately made him the U-19 captain where Mo would lead England to the semis in the World Cup which was a great achievement; at the FC level he has often captained for Worcestershire many a time to. Mo wasn't there at Warwickshire for long, the set up did little to elevate his development. Woakes is certainly a prospect as well and did well in his debut as a leader helping his team defeat Lanka in Lanka 1-0 during a three match unofficial Test series.

That would only further cement Ali's place in the team because he'd focus on his batting a lot more which we've only scratched the surface with, he has been wasted down the order too long and what people don't realise is that he has been learning spin at the Test level itself which is not ideal but he has not done too bad for himself. Rashid is there for now and England value Mo's role in the team so guys like Crane etc will be spending a bit more time in county cricket.

If Moeen got displaced by a significantly better spinner in tests I think he'd struggle to get a space in the team in non-Asian conditions as a 6th bowler/extra batsman, especially this summer with an ashes tour coming up.

 

[HitWicket]

Also I don't remember Moeen captaining Worcestershire much at all?

 

[shaz619]

If Moeen got displaced by a significantly better spinner in tests I think he'd struggle to get a space in the team in non-Asian conditions as a 6th bowler/extra batsman, especially this summer with an ashes tour coming up.

Also I don't remember Moeen captaining Worcestershire much at all?

He'd make the team quiet easily as a specialist batsman, that is his forte; if his team doesn't need him with the ball more time will be spent on the batting and with a promotion/defined role he'd realise his true potential. At the moment he has made the best of the opportunities which have been given to him despite the lack of a defined role and constant shuffling up and down the order. He has stepped in whenever there have been injuries etc

 

[shaz619]

In the 2011 county season when Mitchell got injured Moeen was captain for about a month, from then on he filled in whenever he was asked

 

[Bilal7]

Superb all-round performance from Moeen Ali yet again. Loved this quote from his captain at the post-match presentation: "If he didn't get any runs or had a bad day, I'd pick him again. He's made some huge contributions for us."

Losing that excess hair from his head seems to have freed him up and South Africa were slapped around the park by Mo.

 

[Sherlock]

Played well today. That knock was the catalyst for the total England ended up with, especially when they were 199-5 when he came in.

England have such a good lower order they just need to tweak one or two things in their spin department, because Rashid for me goes for far too many runs in the middle of the innings.

 

[shaz619]

Superb all-round performance from Moeen Ali yet again. Loved this quote from his captain at the post-match presentation: "If he didn't get any runs or had a bad day, I'd pick him again. He's made some huge contributions for us."

Losing that excess hair from his head seems to have freed him up and South Africa were slapped around the park by Mo.

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=865]Big Mac[/MENTION]

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=865]Big Mac[/MENTION]

South Africa faced the wrath of the Brummies today. Moeen and Woakes did some monumental damage.

 

[shaz619]

South Africa faced the wrath of the Brummies today. Moeen and Woakes did some monumental damage.

A lot they say is dependent on Moeen playing only when Stokes is in the XI, why is this so? anyhow after today Mo would have given management a tough job when it comes to future selections. Stokes is really banged up am not sure he"ll be at 100% for the CT but if they want to play him there he has to be rested for the SA series.

So much depth in the England team its scary , they are sure finalists. They have some great rookies coming up as well. breathing down the neck of even bench strength!

 

[Mamoon]

A lot they say is dependent on Moeen playing only when Stokes is in the XI, why is this so? anyhow after today Mo would have given management a tough job when it comes to future selections. Stokes is really banged up am not sure he"ll be at 100% for the CT but if they want to play him there he has to be rested for the SA series.

So much depth in the England team its scary , they are sure finalists. They have some great rookies coming up as well. breathing down the neck of even bench strength!

Moeen has the backing of Morgan, don't think he will be dropped for the Champions Trophy after today's performance. Also, I find the link between Stokes and Moeen a bit strange, don't know what to make of it, but from what I can gather, I feel that the management doesn't have enough faith in Moeen's bowling his full quota every game, which he will have to if Stokes is not available. However, without the duo, Root will have to do a lot more bowling which is far from ideal.

 

[shaz619]

Moeen has the backing of Morgan, don't think he will be dropped for the Champions Trophy after today's performance. Also, I find the link between Stokes and Moeen a bit strange, don't know what to make of it, but from what I can gather, I feel that the management doesn't have enough faith in Moeen's bowling his full quota every game, which he will have to if Stokes is not available. However, without the duo, Root will have to do a lot more bowling which is far from ideal.

He will be in the squad no doubt but am not sure if he'll make the final XI but Morgan does have immense faith in him and a captain will always have the final say; chances are he will play all the CT games despite what the pundits in England have to say especially with regards to the pressure of including Bairstow.

 

[Mamoon]

He will be in the squad no doubt but am not sure if he'll make the final XI but Morgan does have immense faith in him and a captain will always have the final say; chances are he will play all the CT games despite what the pundits in England have to say especially with regards to the pressure of including Bairstow.

The best thing about this England squad is the team spirit, which is something that is not talked about much. They understand and realize that the competition is fierce and there are a few players, mainly Moeen, Bairstow and Billings, who will never be fixtures in the XI no matter how good their performance is. They can be MoM and get dropped for the next game, but they have embraced this uncertainty and no one is whinging about it, or letting it impact their performances in a negative fashion. They take pride in their prowess as a collective unit, regardless of whether they are playing an individual role or not.

 

[shaz619]

The best thing about this England squad is the team spirit, which is something that is not talked about much. They understand and realize that the competition is fierce and there are a few players, mainly Moeen, Bairstow and Billings, who will never be fixtures in the XI no matter how good their performance is. They can be MoM and get dropped for the next game, but they have embraced this uncertainty and no one is whinging about it, or letting it impact their performances in a negative fashion. They take pride in their prowess as a collective unit, regardless of whether they are playing an individual role or not.

That's a really good point which tends to be played down or falls off the radar, the names you mention are actually great friends as well and especially Moeen and Bairstow who consider themselves to be brothers in arms. But if you're indirectly taking a dig at Pak it is a bit unfair, while I agree that they take it too far with the politics at times they are generally underpaid compared to other teams so there's a lot more on the line and nothing is guaranteed for a Pakistani cricketer; f Moeen or Bairstow get dropped it's no big deal because they are on a big money contract with England if they fall under the radar completely they got county cricket to fall back up on and countless other opportunities which all will ensure their financial security

 

[Mamoon]

That's a really good point which tends to be played down or falls off the radar, the names you mention are actually great friends as well and especially Moeen and Bairstow who consider themselves to be brothers in arms. But if you're indirectly taking a dig at Pak it is a bit unfair, while I agree that they take it too far with the politics at times they are generally underpaid compared to other teams so there's a lot more on the line and nothing is guaranteed for a Pakistani cricketer; f Moeen or Bairstow get dropped it's no big deal because they are on a big money contract with England if they fall under the radar completely they got county cricket to fall back up on and countless other opportunities which all will ensure their financial security

I don't think it is primarily on a monetary issue, but a false sense of entitlement that is deeply ingrained within our cricketing culture. There is too much focus on individualism.

 

[Bilal7]

Moeen has the backing of Morgan, don't think he will be dropped for the Champions Trophy after today's performance. Also, I find the link between Stokes and Moeen a bit strange, don't know what to make of it, but from what I can gather, I feel that the management doesn't have enough faith in Moeen's bowling his full quota every game, which he will have to if Stokes is not available. However, without the duo, Root will have to do a lot more bowling which is far from ideal.

A lot they say is dependent on Moeen playing only when Stokes is in the XI, why is this so? anyhow after today Mo would have given management a tough job when it comes to future selections. Stokes is really banged up am not sure he"ll be at 100% for the CT but if they want to play him there he has to be rested for the SA series.

So much depth in the England team its scary , they are sure finalists. They have some great rookies coming up as well. breathing down the neck of even bench strength!

It's because England want four pace options and if Stokes doesn't play, they will have to drop Moeen for a specialist pacer and replace Stokes with a specialist batsman who can cover the batting contributions of both all-rounders. Rashid is still considered England's premier LO spinner.

Don't agree with this though, Moeen is definitely good enough to bat anywhere in the XI and as good as any specialist with the bat.

 

[Bilal7]

^ Four pacers seems to be norm for most of the big teams now. South Africa played four pacers, England played four pacers yet some Pakistanis still want to go in with a four man spin attack instead.

 

[Mamoon]

^ Four pacers seems to be norm for most of the big teams now. South Africa played four pacers, England played four pacers yet some Pakistanis still want to go in with a four man spin attack instead.

Quality is equally important. Apart from Hasan and Amir, our pace options are trash. Imad is not world class but he will be more economical than Wahab and Junaid, and equally likely to take wickets. Both Imad and Shadab is an overkill outside Asia/WI though, ideally someone like Yamin should have been picked. Fahim is a bit of an unknown quantity.

 

[Bilal7]

Quality is equally important. Apart from Hasan and Amir, our pace options are trash. Imad is not world class but he will be more economical than Wahab and Junaid, and equally likely to take wickets. Both Imad and Shadab is an overkill outside Asia/WI though, ideally someone like Yamin should have been picked. Fahim is a bit of an unknown quantity.

Even you will agree that Yamin is nowhere close to Junaid and Riaz with the ball in hand. I don't mind which one of Shadab and Imad plays but I definitely don't want to see two spinners in our XI. Amir and Riaz can bat a bit so the tail won't be too long.

Morris, Phelukuyawo and Stokes are not better than any of our pacers so we definitely have the quality. Fahim would be a safe option since he is essentially an all-rounder but long batting lineups don't really work well with Pakistan, who are prone to devastating collapses and would be better off relying on their strength, which is bowling.

 

[Mamoon]

Even you will agree that Yamin is nowhere close to Junaid and Riaz with the ball in hand. I don't mind which one of Shadab and Imad plays but I definitely don't want to see two spinners in our XI. Amir and Riaz can bat a bit so the tail won't be too long.

Morris, Phelukuyawo and Stokes are not better than any of our pacers so we definitely have the quality. Fahim would be a safe option since he is essentially an all-rounder but long batting lineups don't really work well with Pakistan, who are prone to devastating collapses and would be better off relying on their strength, which is bowling.

I would have anyone in the team ahead of Junaid. He is a dreadful bowler who contributes nothing with the bat. In the worst-case scenario, Yamin would be equally poor with the ball, but he is a much better batsman.

 

[Abdullah719]

Gets to 2000 Test runs and 100 Test wickets on the same day.

 

[3rdWheel]

The best off spinner of this era. Take a bow sir. Only off spinner to trouble our beast batting line-up

 

[shaz619]

Allah ni marzi [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]

 

[ExpressPacer]

The best off spinner of this era. Take a bow sir. Only off spinner to trouble our beast batting line-up

How can you say that your batting line up is the best when they suffer to the mediocrity of Moeen? Lmao yet another delusional Indian fan.

 

[mak36]

Gets to 2000 Test runs and 100 Test wickets on the same day.

He doesn't get the credit he deserves- outperformed Stokes yet again with both bat and ball.

 

[3rdWheel]

How can you say that your batting line up is the best when they suffer to the mediocrity of Moeen? Lmao yet another delusional Indian fan.

Moeen Ali is underrated by most teams and you have in front of you what happens when they do

 

[ExpressPacer]

Moeen Ali is underrated by most teams and you have in front of you what happens when they do

Pakistan underrated him and rightly destroyed him. It is the Indian batsmen's ineptness and inability that led to their fall, not the skill of Moeen.

 

[Rayyman]

He doesn't get the credit he deserves- outperformed Stokes yet again with both bat and ball.

I feel like Moeen and Stokes are both equal as players, but the former is underrated while the latter is overrated.

 

[Bilal7]

Moeen Ali will go down as an English legend. Averages 50 with bat and ball since the start of 2016. A better player than Stokes.

 

[Bilal7]

Miles better than someone like Hardik Pandya.

 

[Abdullah719]

Running through the Saffers today.

 

[delpiero10]

Moeen sniffing a 5-fer and 10-fer...

 

[bujhee kom]

Very useful cricketer. Solid LMO bat and decent spinner in support of a pace attack.

Has outperformed Stokes by miles in this game.

 

[shaz619]

England had not beaten SA at Lords since 1960, Moeen Ali would change that on this day ! take a bow, great win

 

[Hasan123]

Brilliant performance from Moen. 7 seems to be perfect role for him. Did well on a pitch that had something in it for the spin bowlers.

MOTM for me.

 

[shaz619]

Moeen Ali:

"Was a great game for myself and very happy today. Was a great wicket, even in the first innings. Tried to make the batsmen play as much as I could. I learnt a lot [in the winter] speaking to Saqi, it made things a lot clearer for myself and I'd like to dedicate this to him. Rooty told me to attack, Alastair used to be the same. It was like a fresh start with a new captain. It's a nice time to come into bat, you can play a few shots against the second new ball. I thought Liam bowled really well, unlucky not to get more wickets but things went my way."

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a match for Moeen Ali:<br>His best match figures in Tests (10-112)<br>Milestone of 100 Test wickets<br>Milestone of 2000 Test runs<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvSA?src=hash">#ENGvSA</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/884095231238561792">July 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[shaz619]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a match for Moeen Ali:<br>His best match figures in Tests (10-112)<br>Milestone of 100 Test wickets<br>Milestone of 2000 Test runs<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvSA?src=hash">#ENGvSA</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/884095231238561792">July 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Amazing performance especially for someone who is learning how to bowl spin at the Test level ! he started his career as a batsman for WCC and then when he moved to Worcestershire did a little bit of part time spin bowling, it was only when Ajmal was signed he picked up a few tricks and began to show a bit of improvement and started to take it a little seriously and then in only his 2nd series bowled beautifully to make the Indians dance. Regardless of whether or not a pitch has a bit in it for you, it takes skill to bowl teams out and Moeen had a 4fer in the first innings to; when you factor in all these elements his performances have been monumental as a spinner.

Hopefully he improves further under Saqi and [MENTION=129948]Bilal7[/MENTION] I have said for while as well that he should be batting higher but he is doing so well at no.7 that I don't want to move him from there now!

 

[kaifmazhar]

Somebody who is being used as per what suits the captain on a given day. Not considered from amongst the main batsman,no problem and ditto as a bowler, no problem. Nobody ever talks about him as a serious all rounder either, no problem. He is Moeen Ali, probably the most honest cricketer around who never complains about what and when he is being asked to do a thing. He is a true match winner. And better than those so called best all rounders of the world.

 

[Proactive_]

Miles better than someone like Hardik Pandya.

Please don't insult someone like Moeen who has actually scored hundreds and taken five fors in proper Test match cricket by comparing him with an LO hack like Pandya. That's cricketing blasphemy right there.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Amazing performance especially for someone who is learning how to bowl spin at the Test level ! he started his career as a batsman for WCC and then when he moved to Worcestershire did a little bit of part time spin bowling, it was only when Ajmal was signed he picked up a few tricks and began to show a bit of improvement and started to take it a little seriously and then in only his 2nd series bowled beautifully to make the Indians dance. Regardless of whether or not a pitch has a bit in it for you, it takes skill to bowl teams out and Moeen had a 4fer in the first innings to; when you factor in all these elements his performances have been monumental as a spinner.

Hopefully he improves further under Saqi and [MENTION=129948]Bilal7[/MENTION] I have said for while as well that he should be batting higher but he is doing so well at no.7 that I don't want to move him from there now!

I dont know whether its just because he was taking wickets but ive never seem him bowl in such great rhythm. His action is more graceful and seems to be getting more revs on the ball.

I just wish he got that hundred. Not many make a hundred and take 10 wickets. Nevertheless, a brilliant performance by Moeen.

 

[shaz619]

I dont know whether its just because he was taking wickets but ive never seem him bowl in such great rhythm. His action is more graceful and seems to be getting more revs on the ball.

I just wish he got that hundred. Not many make a hundred and take 10 wickets. Nevertheless, a brilliant performance by Moeen.

He was bowling slower to and got more drift, the help from saqi is working and Mo just needs to continue to work hard. That was a big disappointment but Mo is never selfish, he still plays his shots regardless; he needs to be a bit more selfish the beard! I think Mo doesn't care about stats but is more concerned about an impact performance to win his country Test matches and in the end there will always be haters and those who criticise but the ECB and his team mates understand his value which is why he is undroppable in these times and they will always back him regardless,

I remember in pak v eng test series he got out to shah in the first test; it was such an ugly dismissal and awful shot, many pushed for him to drop but it was never even at thought from the Englands team point of view and he'd go onto have a fantastic series with the bat after that Test

 

[KingKhanWC]

He was bowling slower to and got more drift, the help from saqi is working and Mo just needs to continue to work hard. That was a big disappointment but Mo is never selfish, he still plays his shots regardless; he needs to be a bit more selfish the beard! I think Mo doesn't care about stats but is more concerned about an impact performance to win his country Test matches and in the end there will always be haters and those who criticise but the ECB and his team mates understand his value which is why he is undroppable in these times and they will always back him regardless,

I remember in pak v eng test series he got out to shah in the first test; it was such an ugly dismissal and awful shot, many pushed for him to drop but it was never even at thought from the Englands team point of view and he'd go onto have a fantastic series with the bat after that Test

Moeen is a proper all rounder now not some bits and pieces cricketer we've seen in the past fielded by England. I think your point regarding Mo play for the situation and not being selfish is a testament to England's confidence in him. He knows he has secured his place in both ODI and test cricket so can manage his role with a more relaxed mindset.

I cant imagine how England would have done without Moeen in the recent past and especially in this test match. Dawson has good control to go with his line and lengths but isn't a bowler who will run through a team.

 

[Bilal7]

Best all-rounder in the world. He can easily bat in the top five for any team, like he showed in India, and along with that is a better spinner that anyone from England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

No other all-rounder today has won games with both bat and ball like Moeen Ali has consistently been doing.