Australia will try to get Moeen Ali worked up: Peter Handscomb

With the Ashes is just a couple of days away, we’ve already seen a fair bit of banter between the players in the leadup to the contest. While Ben Stokes mocked Matthew Hayden as an expert, Nathan Lyon spew venom in the English cricketers remarking that it won’t bother him if a few careers were ended with this series.

Australian middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb is all geared up for his first ever Ashes Test. He too appeared to be on the front foot when it comes to marking targets. The youngster remarked that the hosts are going to work Moeen Ali around and milk him.

Moeen definitely the one we’ll go after

Ahead of the Gabba Test, the England attack is in all likelihood, will be led by pacers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. However, a spinner like Moeen is definitely going to find it tough to bowl in the conditions in down under.

That’s what Handscomb pressed on as he remarked, “In Australia, it can be tough to bowl spin. Moeen can definitely be one we can go after a little bit to put pressure on their quicks to come back early and bowl longer spells.”

While he acknowledged the fact that the all-rounder was a clever player, but also maintained that they were going to get him even if they got the slightest of an opportunity.

“We also know Moeen is a very good player and very smart because he can bat as well. He understands what batters are thinking. We’ve got to be calculated and careful but we’ll try and get him if we can.”

Handscomb is expected to bat in the middle order he wants to face Moeen. He revealed his strategies to counter the off-spinner. He didn’t resort to hyperbole as he remarked that he would try to chip him over and not hit him for sixes.

“Hopefully I’m still in when he’s bowling. It will be good to face him. I will try and use my feet and do what I normally do with spin, It doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll try and hit him over the top. I struggle to hit sixes at big grounds. If I can chip it that will be all right,” he stated.