Ashes 2023: It's Not Alien At All - Moeen Ali On Batting At No.3 For Manchester Test
Published - 17 Jul 2023, 08:50 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM
England all-rounder Moeen Ali talked about batting at No.3 for the upcoming 4th Test of the Ashes 2023 at Old Trafford in Manchester. He said that he’s looking forward to the opportunity and is trying to get himself ready for the tough challenge.
England announced their playing 11 for the upcoming 4th Test of the Ashes 2023, which will take place on 19th July at Old Trafford in Manchester. From the last game, there’s only one change in the lineup for the hosts as James Anderson has replaced Ollie Robinson in the team.
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But one thing which caught the attention of many was Moeen Ali’s name was slotted at No.3 which makes it clear that he will bat at that position in the next game. The all-rounder was promoted up the order in the second innings of the Headingley Test after Harry Brook failed to impress in the first innings.
England’s actual No.3 Ollie Pope was ruled out of the series after the second game due to a shoulder injury and this ignited a new problem for the hosts. They backed Brook to bat at 3 but he didn’t look settle at that position. Moeen Ali, however, looked impressive but failed to score big.
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Moeen Ali, who scored 5 runs in 15 balls at No.3, is making himself ready for the challenge against the best bowling lineup. He said that although he has batted at 6 or 7 but he has enjoyed batting at No.3.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I feel fine about it. It’s obviously going to be challenging batting at three against Australia with the best bowling attack in the world. But I would say, having done it in county cricket, obviously, it’s not alien at all. I have done it for England as well. I’m looking forward to it.
“I hope so. I have just been hitting balls in training quite a bit. I’m trying to get myself ready for the tough challenge against a good attack. I always thought 6 or 7 was always nice. But I do enjoy batting at three.
“The challenge of batting at three. I think for the team now, it’s the best thing. I’m looking forward to playing against these guys and getting challenged. I know it’s not easy, they’re obviously very good.”
Moeen Ali so far has batted in seven innings at No.3 and has scored 92 runs. He would be hoping to improve his numbers when he walks out to bat in Manchester.
Ashes 2023: I will try and bat as properly as I can – Moeen Ali on if he would be aggressive during the game
Moeen Ali was asked if he would be aggressive with the bat during the game or not. Replying to this, he said that if he’s in good shape then he will hit and will try to bat as properly as he can. He explained:
“I’m not sure. We will see on the day. Sometimes if i’m in and seeing the ball well, be aggressive. If they’re bowling well, then not be aggressive. I will try and bat as properly as I can.”
The Ashes 2023 stands at 2-1 in favour of Australia. England would be hoping to level the series as they can’t afford to lose.
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