Moeen’s fired up to get back on track

Moeen Ali is planning to “get back on that horse” in his 50th Test.

The England all-rounder is approaching a landmark he never thought would be within his capabilities, against New Zealand in Auckland, starting in the early hours of Thursday.

He does so, however, with much to prove after his miserable Ashes with bat and ball this winter.

England’s high hopes were dashed as remorseless Australia surged to an emphatic 4-0 victory – and Moeen’s unexpected struggles were emblematic of a hugely disappointing tour.

Moeen’s five wickets cost 115 runs each, and with the bat he mustered 179 at a sub-20 average.

Nonetheless, he believes, after improved oneday international returns against Australia and New Zealand over the past two months, that he can demonstrate the Ashes were merely a high-profile blip.

“You’ve got to get back on that horse and try your best, and almost forget about the bad days if you can,” he said.

“The Ashes were quite tough for me, and the onedayers came at a good time.

“I feel like my confidence is slowly getting back. Obviously, you lose your confidence from such a bad tour as a team, not just as an individual. I’m sure there’s quite a lot of the guys wanting to put that right.”

Moeen is adamant that there is “nothing wrong” with the spinning finger which is once again showing signs of wear and tear.

As for those 50 Test caps, did he envisage at the start of his career he would reach such an elite milestone? “No way. I never ever thought I was going to play that many games,” said the 30-year-old.

“(Even) when I got 25, I thought 50 seemed like a long way. This week will be an amazing feeling.”

Ben Stokes, suffering with a stiff back recently, will look to prove his fitness in the nets so he can share the bowling duties.

Moeen said:“He’s always great for the team – the balance is pretty much sorted when he’s in the team. It’s really great to have him back.”