Moeen’s mastery brightened up a long summer
To witness Moeen Ali batting in full flow during the third ODI against West Indies in Bristol was one of the sights of this longest of summers.
This was where England started their international season against Ireland on May 5.
There was reason then for everyone to feel a little jaded as they turned up at the County Ground for the latest instalment of a series that perhaps feels like a bridge too far.
After all it’s autumn now, not summer and the football season is into its second month.
Yet the performance from Moeen was invigorating, especially for England, who ended up winning this match by 124 runs to take a 2-0 series lead.
In all, the all-rounder struck eight sixes in 14 balls as he reached his hundred in 53 deliveries, the second-quickest for England in ODIs.
Even more astonishing was the manner that Moeen powered his way from 50 to 100 in just 12 balls – the fastest anyone has ever achieved that feat in one-day international history.
Moeen’s pyrotechnics helped Eoin Morgan’s side post a record ODI total on this ground of 369 for nine.
Even with the fit-again Chris Gayle in such ominous form after recovering from a hamstring injury,West Indies still fell well short of their target of 370 for victory.
The self-styled ‘Universe Boss’ is back playing one-day cricket for the Windies after two years away and despite now being 38 he is still a force to be reckoned with.
His 15 boundaries – including six sixes – helping him to 94 before a poor run out cost him the chance of a 23rd ODI ton.
For those who had paid their hardearned to come to this game, the fact they also saw Gayle at his best was a bonus after what Moeen had produced earlier.