Moeen gets last chance as England’s top spinner
ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook says Moeen Ali remains his first-choice spinner – but warned that status cannot be guaranteed beyond today’s second Test against Pakistan in Manchester.
Cook yesterday revealed England’s inflated squad of 14 for this match had been pared down to 12 after bowlers Jake Ball and Steven Finn were released.
It means Adil Rashid has been retained, with the leg-spinner ready to play if England decide to name two spinners in their team.
The indications are, though, that despite Old Trafford’s spin-friendly reputation, England, 1-0 down in the series will go in with just one slow bowler – and that will be Moeen.
Coach Trevor Bayliss fought the selectors for Rashid’s inclusion in the squad for this second Test and clearly sees a long-term role for the Yorkshireman.
However, it appears Moeen will be given one last chance here following an underwhelming display at Lord’s and a record that has seen him take just seven Test wickets this year at an average of 92.
“Moeen is our first choice spinner for this game,” confirmed Cook. “If we go with the four seamers and one spinner Moeen will be that spinner.
“Adil is really coming along. He really impressed in that one-day series (against Sri Lanka). Test cricket is a different game because the bowler attacks more. He is improving all the time and bowled nicely in the nets today.”
England’s decision to stand down Ball and Finn is confirmation James Anderson and Ben Stokes will return after missing Lord’s through injury.
If Rashid and Moeen both play at Old Trafford England would need to drop a batsman – almost certainly James Vince.
Pakistan captain Misbah -ul-Haq expects Yasir Shah to play after the leg-spinner suffered an injury scare on Wednesday.
Yasir was sent to hospital for a precautionary scan after being hit on the shoulder in the nets.