Stuart Broad hints at bringing Moeen Ali back in top-six of the batting order

The loss of Ben Stokes due to an injury has made England explore changes in the current team. The all-rounder’s absence would mean that either of the in-form Chris Woakes or Jake Ball will come into the XI tomorrow.

Woakes took nine for 36 for Warwickshire against Durham earlier this week, while Ball is yet to make his Test debut but was in the squad for Headingley.

“The great thing is that both guys are in good form,” said Broad. “It helps the team relax knowing that whoever replaces Ben Stokes is playing like that. But don’t get me wrong, he will be a big loss. He’s a No – 6 batsman who is a fantastic bowler as well, so it does change the dynamics a bit.”

The changes in the playing XI will also force a reshuffle in the batting order. Initially, it was been anticipated that Jonny Bairstow, who scored 140 at Headingley last week, will move up from No – 7 to No- 6 and all-rounder Moeen Ali will bat at No – 7. Broad hints that Moeen may be back in the top six of the batting order.

“Whether it’s Chris or Jake who comes in, the whole squad know that man will do a good job,” said Broad. “It’s just whether we fancy having the extra bit of batting (which Woakes would provide) with maybe Moeen having more responsibility at No – 6.”

Moeen Ali is quite used to the shuffling with his batting position. Ali batted at No- 6 during his early days in test cricket. But when Peter Moores was removed as coach before the start of last summer, Paul Farbrace, who is now Trevor Bayliss’ assistant, promoted Stokes to No – 6, moving Moeen one place down the order.