If I get the nod it will be great, if not then not a problem: Moeen Ali on his expectations ahead of the 4th Test

At a time when England are struggling with their batting against India, Moeen Ali’s brilliant all-round performance in domestic cricket could give them some hope. The 31-year-old player scored 219 (off 277 balls) and took 8 for 89 for Worcestershire against Yorkshire in County Championship Division One match at Scarborough on August 19.

Ali, who is also the captain of Worcestershire, led his team to a win by an innings and 186 runs in the game. Two days prior to that, he also hit 115 off 56 balls against Birmingham Bears in the T2o Blast to end up on the winning side. Will the man in form get to play in the next two crucial Tests against India?

He has been included in England’s squad for the fourth Test at Rose Bowl, Southampton, starting August 30. There are a lot of opinions over whether the hosts should change their playing XI in the game to turn around after the 203-run loss and clinch the series they are leading 2-1. England already have a problem with Jonny Bairstow, their wicketkeeper who received a blow in his fingers at Trent Bridge, and he is a doubtful starter for the next game, even as a specialist batsman.

Ali, however, is optimistic of making a comeback in the Test XI, especially after his special performance at Scarborough. The man played his last Test against New Zealand in March although he featured in the T20I and ODI series that England played with India last month.

“We’ll see, we are winning 2-1 and playing quite well. I know we lost the last game but I feel like we have played quite well in the Test matches,” Sky Sports quoted Moeen Ali as saying.

If yes, great; if no, not a problem

“If I get the nod it will be great, if not then not a problem. I don’t take anything for granted. I’m just trying to stay in the present at the moment. I’m playing well and I just want to keep up the form with Worcestershire and hopefully with England as well. I’m just trying to do my best, put my name up there again and see what happens,” Ali, who has five tons and four fifers in 50 Tests, said.

England won the first Test at Edgbaston by 31 runs and second at Lord’s by an innings and 159 runs before the visitors led by Virat Kohli pulled one back. All eyes are now on the vital fourth Test to see who capitalises on the opportunity.

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