Graeme Swann raises questions over Moeen Ali's selection in the squad

England all-rounder Moeen Ali’s form has become a major concern for the Three Lions. Worcestershire’s Moeen has struggled quite visibly on his maiden Ashes tour, claiming only three wickets with his off-spin and averaging at 19 with the bat in the first four Tests. And with the 4th Ashes Test at Melbourne culminating in a draw, former England spinner Graeme Swann has raised question over Ali’s selection in the squad. Swann says he “can’t see how” Moeen Ali fits into the team for the final Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney.

However, Ali’s poor form can now be a boon in disguise for the 20-year-old legspinner, Mason Crane. The youngster could as well be making his Ashes debut in the final Test at SCG.

Speaking of Moeen Ali’s place in the squad, Swann said, “His place in the team has to be in jeopardy. His confidence has to be rock bottom,”

He added to BBC, “I feel for Mo. He’s fighting demons at the moment,” said Swann, who took 255 wickets in 60 Tests and won the Ashes three times. His confidence is so low that when he bowls there are no revolutions on the ball, no energy in his action.Unless they play two spinners in Sydney, I can’t see how you could fit Moeen into the team.”

“I would like to have a look at Mason Crane. He should be bowling every day in the nets. He should be as ready as you can be to play a Test match.”

Skipper Joe Root back Moeen Ali

On the contrary, Lions skipper Joe Root has backed the 30-year-old all-rounder. Moeen’s preparations for the Ashes series were hampered by a side strain that meant he could play in only one of the three warm-up games. He then suffered a cut to his spinning finger in the first Test defeat in Brisbane.

Despite having a tough tour, Root remains optimistic and believes Moeen will have “a big future for England.”

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