Moeen Ali Likely to get Axed for the Sydney Test

England team are likely to axe premier all-rounder Moeen Ali from the first XI for the fifth Test. Notably, Ali faced a dip in form with both bat and ball in the ongoing Magellan Ashes Test Series. Although, Australia have already regained the Ashes Urn beating the visitors 3-0.

England skipper Joe Root admitted that Ali had struggled in this so far after the fourth Test ended in a draw. However, Root backed Moeen stating that he has a great Test future ahead.

Moeen Ali is likely to make way for Mason Crane in the last Test. Ali only bowled 13 overs in the second innings forcing a greater workload on England pacers. However, it was the part-time spin of Root that broke the partnership of David Warner and Steve Smith.

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“Moeen has struggled this week but is a fine player. Like other guys he has proven before when it is not going his way, he is able to wrestle it back in his favor. He will have a big future for England. It is important that everyone knows that,” Root was heard saying in an interview after the match.

It will be a strong case for the uncapped leg-spinner, Mason Crane, to play even if the balance of the team gets affected. Moeen has bagged only three wickets so far in this series with an average of 135. He has notched up only 136 runs in the eight innings so far.

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Australia will lock horns with England in the five-day format for one last time from January 4 at Sydney Cricket Ground.

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