MO IS ALL SET TO GO
Ali’s Test fitness boost
ENGLAND arrived in Queensland buoyed by the news Moeen Ali will finally see some Ashes tour action after two weeks on the sidelines.
The all-rounder was diagnosed with a side strain soon after the squad landed in Perth a fortnight ago.
But after batting and bowling in the nets during England’s warm-up win against a Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide, he is ready to return in the final pre-Ashes warm-up match against the same opposition in Townsville this week.
Moeen’s presence will be welcome given the tourists are already missing one key allrounder in Ben Stokes.
“Mo’s fine,” said coach Trevor Bayliss. “No concerns there, he will be playing in Townsville.”
Bayliss also revealed fast bowler Jake Ball should be fit for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on Thursday week after straining ligaments in his right ankle during the Adelaide tour match.
“We will make sure he is right for selection for that first Test,” added Bayliss.
Fine
“He’s fairly confident he’ll be fit for Brisbane. He has a boot on but that’s more precautionary and he has been walking round without it and feels fine. Fingers crossed it’s right.”
In Ball’s absence, Craig Overton stepped up to the mark in Adelaide, taking 3-12 during the CA XI’s second innings as England cruised to a 192-run win on the final day. The Somerset bowler is now the favourite to take the fourth seamer spot for the first Test ahead of Ball.
“This is the first time I have seen him up close over a long period of overs,” said Bayliss.
“He’s not necessarily quick but he bowls a heavy ball and good lengths and he’s consistent.”
Bayliss also played down fears over Alastair Cook’s form, the opener looking out of touch during a scratchy second-innings 32 in Adelaide.
That was still the 147-Test veteran’s highest score on the tour.
“I think it would be fair to say Cookie always looks a bit rusty,” added Bayliss. “I don’t have too many concerns about him.”