'Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time' - Moeen Ali on leading England in Jos Buttler's potential absence

As England's senior men's cricket team is gearing up for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024, veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali is ready to step up and lead the side if regular captain Jos Buttler needs to take paternity leave.

Buttler and his wife Louise are expecting their third child at the time of the tournament, so Moeen may need to take up the captaincy duties for some matches in the absence of Buttler.

Notably, the Three Lions defeated Pakistan in the finals of the 2022 edition in Melbourne. Placed in Group B, the English side will open their title defense against Scotland on June 4. The 36-year-old Moeen ddressed the possibility of leading England.

"I’ve done quite a few games in terms of when I’ve been vice-captain and taken over when Jos has not played. I’m pretty cool with that. Nothing will change too much. It’s just taking over from what he’s doing. We’re on the same page. Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time and Jos doesn't miss too many games," said Ali as quoted by The Daily Mail.

Also read: England re-enlist services of Manchester City psychologist for T20 World Cup 2024

If I'm playing well, I want to carry on playing: Moeen Ali 

The veteran all-rounder has led England in 12 T20 internationals previously, winning five of those matches. However, Buttler is a vital part of their batting lineup as an experienced opener.

He also shared his plans for the future and expressed optimism that he would keep playing the game until he is playing well and is physically fit.

"If I'm playing well, I want to carry on playing. It could be at the World Cup if I'm not playing so well, or whatever it is, and I decide ‘OK, this is the time’. There's no time on it. If I'm playing really well, and my body's good, then I want to carry on playing for as long as I can," he told BBC Sport.

Also read: Jos Buttler on lessons learnt from ODI WC 2023 debacle

The England team is currently playing a four-match T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the marquee event beginning on June 1. The first T20I was called off without a ball being balled due to heavy rains. The second T20I between the two sides is scheduled to take place on May 25 in Birmingham.