MO BELIEF IS NEEDED

ENGLAND must learn how to treat their “golden asset” Moeen Ali when it comes to his bowling – or watch his confidence drain away.

And there is no tougher assignment for an off-spinner than trying to tame Australian batsmen on their home turf, which happens to be the best batting surface in the world.

One man who succeeded, in 2010/11, was Graeme Swann, in claiming 15 wickets during a famous series win, but, three years later, he got ripped apart.

And the BT Sport pundit has little doubt Moeen (above) can be a big success Down Under if he and his team-mates back his ability to the hilt.

“I hope Moeen starts believing he is a brilliant bowler – because he is,” said Swann. “He really can bowl, but he still doesn’t believe it.

“Whenever he doesn’t get an early wicket, you see the confidence ebb and drain away.

“I don’t think England have nailed how to treat him yet.

“They need to tell him how good he is because he’s worldclass with the ball when he wants to be – a golden asset.

“Mo should expect to take five-for when he bowls.

“The Aussies will try to come after him, so you have to be smart and set your field right.

“It doesn’t turn a great deal and the tricky places to tie down opponents are Brisbane and Perth because they are possibly the best batting wickets on the planet.”