We can win the Ashes without Ben Stokes: Moeen Ali

England all-rounder Moeen Ali feels that the visitors can very well defend the Ashes against Australia even if match-winner and deputy of the Three Lions’ Ben Stokes sits out of the XI. Ali is currently in good form and is eager to make it count once the big series arrives. Ali spoke about the importance of having Stokes in the side after wrapping a nine-wicket win against West Indies on Friday

The England vice-captain was arrested last Monday on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and suspended from internationals “until further notice” following an apparent fight outside a nightclub. Stokes was named in the Ashes squad despite reportedly sustaining an injury.

“We all know how good a cricketer he is, what he can bring to the table and he’s one of the main players that we have, so it would be great to have him out there but let’s see what happens. If he’s not there then we’re going to have to play well without him so I definitely feel that we can still win.” Ali said.

Middle muddle

Ali might get promoted up the order if Stokes fails to make it to the squad. Ali, who usually bats at number eight in Tests said he would be comfortable with that.

“Number eight is somewhere I’m kind of used to at the moment but if I’m told to bat seven I feel I’m capable of doing well and hopefully can show that I can go out there and play against their bowlers, play well against them,” he said. “I can’t wait,” he added. “Genuinely I can’t wait. I’m very, very excited. It’s something that when you’re a young county player you’re always thinking you’d love to be on that sort of tour.”

England will travel to Australia on 28th October, and their title defense will start in Brisbane on November 23 in the first of the 5-match series.