ENG vs IND 2018: Great To Be Back, Says Moeen Ali After Delivering Man-Of-The-Match Performance On Comeback

England would perhaps think at least twice about dropping Moeen Ali from their Test playing eleven especially when they play at home after the spinner’s stunning show in the just concluded fourth England vs India Test. The allrounder impressed with both bat and ball as England thrashed India by 60 runs to win the series with a game remaining.

Moeen had played his last Test during the tour of New Zealand earlier this year. A disastrous outing in Ashes and New Zealand saw him losing his place in the Test side. He did not find a place in the team for the home series against Pakistan. His fate did not change in the first three Tests against India either as he could not break into the playing eleven.

But a double century in County Championship coincided with England’s loss at Trent Bridge and he soon got a call. And he grabbed the chance with both hands. The off-spinner blew away India in both the innings with his off-spin to fire his team to a series-clinching win.

It was his five-wicket haul in the first innings that saw India reduce t0 195 for 8 from 142 for 2. Prior to that, he had scored 40 in the first innings that helped England recover from 86 for 6 and post 246. The off-spinner then made a huge mark in the second innings.

Defending 245, England made a strong start by reducing India to 22 for 3. However, an 101-run stand between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane threatened to take the game away from the hosts. But before Kohli and Rahane could take India close, Moeen spun his web around the visitors. He dismissed both Kohli and Rahane to end India’s hopes. He went on to dismiss Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Shami too to finish with 9 wickets from the game.

Moeen Ali deservedly bagged the Man of the Match award for his stunning show in the fourth England vs India Test.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mooen expressed his delight over returning to the Test team.

“Great to be back. I have missed Test cricket a lot. Needed a break. Just to appreciate everything in general. To enjoy my cricket again. When I was watching the guys at home, I missed it. Great to come back and contribute. Playing in England for a while now, back myself a bit more. Got more confidence from county cricket. Done a lot of hard work with Saqlain. When they were about eight down, Root asked me if I fancied it. Did enjoy the 15 balls I faced. If I do bat there again, I need to tighten up. Something I’m not thinking much about,” he said.