Tuesday, October 26th, 2021

MOEEN HEADS INTO BANGLADESH ENCOUNTER ON CREST OF A WAVE

Moeen Ali is on a crest of a wave ahead of Wednesday’s ICC T20 World Cup clash with Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi, according to England Head Coach Chris Silverwood.

The Worcestershire Rapids Vitality Blast captain produced his most economical four-over spell for his country in T20 cricket and had figures of 2-17 in the six-wicket win over holders West Indies in Dubai.

It was also the first time he had bowled unchanged from the first over in his England career, as opposed to often being taken out of the attack after just one over.

Now Moeen will be looking for a repeat show as he faces former Worcestershire overseas player Shakib Al Hasan.

Silverwood said: “Mo is on top of a wave at the moment. He’s enjoying himself and sees a real purpose in what he is doing, and he sees how he fits into the team.

“Whenever he is in that position, he is a very dangerous character. Around the dressing room, he adds a lot of value with the knowledge he’s got through cricket.

“But he’s also very good at pulling people together, which is an important cog in the wheel. With the form he’s in, the character in him is coming out.

“It’s great to see, and he’s so much fun to have around – but we are seeing that fun coming out on the field as well, so we’ve got to try and keep him in that position.”