Moeen Ali up for the short ball challenge down under

Rich in form English all-rounder Moeen Ali, recently stated that he would be anticipating a barrage of short balls when the Three Lions travel down under for the Ashes series. The high-octane series is scheduled to begin from late November this year.

Moeen Ali’s batting escapades have peaked this season as he amassed as many as 252 runs in Test series against South Africa. It was only a few days back when he smashed a quickfire knock of 102 against West Indies and brought up his ton in only in only 53 balls, thereby becoming the second fastest Englishmen to score a ton in ODIs.

That said, his weakness against the short ball must be well documented by Aussies and it is expected that the likes of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood would look to ruffle his feathers up during the initial stages of the innings. Ali sees it as an opportunity to come off good looking it as a challenge.

“It [technique against the short ball] is something I’ve been working on and I’m looking forward to it. I feel when you get in, it [Australia] is a good place to bat. The ball doesn’t swing as much and hopefully, whatever number I come in, I can express myself,” quoted Moeen Ali according to Cricbuzz.

I’m going to have to change a couple of things about the way I play but in terms of mindset I’ll just go and do what I normally do. The good thing is I’ve played against them before and I don’t want to speak too early or too confident but I’ll make sure I’m ready for it,” further added the all-rounder.

On absence of Stokes in the Ashes

“If he [Stokes] is not there, then we’re going to have to play well without him. I definitely feel we can still win. I’d love to bat wherever. The higher up the better, I’d be very comfortable. Number eight, I’m kind of used to at the moment but if I get told to bat seven I feel capable of doing well there. Hopefully, I can show that I can go out there and play against their bowlers and play well against them,” commented Moeen on the absence of Stokes in the Ashes.