Flop ODI XI of the year 2020

7. Moeen Ali

Alongside Australia, England have played the greatest number of ODI games (9) this year. And while that provides a conveniently large sample space to analyse player performances, it also comes down rather harshly on the players who failed to deliver.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has certainly got the shorter end of the stick on this regard. Earlier this year, Mo was promoted as the team’s vice-captain. In fact, he even got a direct shot at leadership in the third T20I against Australia.

But contrary to expectations, the added bit of limelight had an adverse effect on Mo’s performances. Across 5 matches, Moeen could amass a grand total of 24 runs with a high score of 17 not out. Bowling wise, too, he lacked his usual mojo, and could only collect a single wicket against South Africa. Consequently, his average and strike-rates hike to some astonishing figures of 216 and 270 respectively.

At 33 years of age, the window of opportunities for Mo seems to be closing down rather quickly. His dismal white-ball run even saw him get dropped from the team in the T20Is (second leg) against South Africa. With some quality lower-order bats eagerly eyeing their chances in the wings, Moeen would be mindful of his performances in the upcoming Indian tour.