Veteran England off-spinner Moeen Ali was not much surprised by R Ashwin’s exclusion so far in the ongoing five-match Test series, saying if India prefers one specialist spinner strategy, then the “amazing” Ravindra Jadeja would be the one to be in his playing XI.
Ashwin is yet to play in the ongoing Test series against England, as Team India preferred Jadeja over the veteran spinner due to his batting in the first Test matches, but the latter is likely to get his first game on the UK tour in the fourth Test at The Oval, starting on Thursday (September 2).
Moeen said ahead of the fourth Test against India, “Yeah a little bit (surprised over Ashwin not playing) but I also feel Jadeja is an amazing cricketer, he is one of my favorite characters in the world.”
He added, “I would always have Jadeja in my team and I think India after winning at Lord’s would have gone with four seamers (at Headingley) and Jadeja did a great job. He is batting really well. I am sure Ashwin has been considered and will be considered for tomorrow.”
However, the all-rounder, who has taken a hat-trick at The Oval against South Africa in 2017, isn’t expecting a hat-trick against India but feels the pitch for the fourth Test will turn a bit later in the game.
Ali said, “Most grounds in England tend to spin a little bit anyway, some obviously more than others, but there’s always a bit of spin. I’m not expecting a hat trick (again) but expecting a little bit of spin towards the end. It does look a bit more green than what you normally see here. It’s always a good wicket for batting and bowling and towards the end of the game the spinners (get into the game).”
He was named England’s vice-captain for the fourth Test, and he called his appointment a huge honor and is looking forward to the role, but that’s doesn’t mean he has cemented his place in the team, as he has been in and out of the Test side and even returned only in the Lord’s Test against India.
The all-rounder further explained, “Yeah sounds amazing, to captain or vice-captain England in any form is huge, and I’m just very excited. I’m obviously not hoping for Joe (Root) to go off the field but if he does go off I’m looking forward to the role. I think that’s the beauty of sport in one way, but also I know that obviously Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are not here. I am pretty realistic in terms of that. But yeah, things can change quickly, and to be given the role I think is great.”
Moeen also wants to cement his place in England team as he is aiming to travel to Australia for the Ashes 2021-22 later this year. He said, “I want to cement my spot in the team having a couple of games under my belt I feel I have found the rhythm of the game. Looking forward to the next two games against India to put in some performances to keep my spot in the team and then Australia.”
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The spinner added, “A lot more information is needed for players and families to think about going ahead. If the tour takes place I am quite keen to go and cement my place.”
On England’s massive win over Indians in the third Test at Headingley, Moeen said: “Expecting India to come up with the intensity they have shown thus far. We had a great first day at Headingley and for the rest of the match, we played really well. Just think we were really focused last game and concentrated on our own performances.”
He signed off by saying, “The one thing we are really good at as a team, I think, is coming back from behind. Now going forward is really about putting in the performance that can take us ahead. We’re quite confident and in particular, against India having done so in 2014, I think.”
(With PTI Inputs)
