Windies vs England 2019: In-form Moeen Ali Eyes the Caribbean Challenge

England will eye for an emphatic campaign in the Caribbean and their man, Moeen Ali is likely to play a critical role. He is the leading spinner for England in Tests, and the onus will be on him to deliver in the first Test match against the Windies. Meanwhile, the English side is fresh from winning a series 3-0 in Sri Lanka, and they will look to continue the trend away from home.

England’s spin trio dominated in Sri Lanka

The spinners played a vital part in the Island nation, as Ali scalped 18 wickets. Apart from him, Jack Leach and Adil Rashid picked 18 and 12 wickets, respectively.

However, the challenges in the Windies will be different. The Duke ball will come into play and emphasis on the pacers are likely to go up. Hence, the team management will have to make a call on whether they will go with a spin-strong line-up or the traditional one.

Moeen Ali is England’s first choice spinner

In case the tourists opt for a pace-friendly attack, Ali will be the first choice spinner for them. His experience will come in handy, and the current form augurs well for the calm and collected man.

“I wouldn’t find it as difficult to be the only spinner in the side as I once probably did,” Ali said in an interview with Sky Sports.

Moeen Ali in good space

“I’ve played quite a bit now, and I feel like at this moment in time my bowling is at its best in terms of my control and my work with Saqlain [Mushtaq, England’s spin coach] on my mindset. I will happily take on that responsibility as I have done it on other occasions, but I loved having the other guys (in the side) as well,” he said.

When it comes to batting, Ali struggled to get runs at No.3 and therefore he might get drafted in the middle order. The all-rounder said he lacks the patience to consume deliveries right up front and is more suited to bat lower down the order.