Ali stars with bat as Worcestershire dominate Yorkshire

Moeen Ali completed the second doublecentury of his first-class career and then struck four times with the ball to drive Worcestershire towards a crucial English county championship victory against Yorkshire at Scarborough yesterday.

The Pears skipper started day three unbeaten on 107 and went on to make 219 in his side’s first-innings 572 for seven as they replied to 216.

Moeen hit 27 4s and four leg-side 6s in his superb 277-ball knock, supplemented by opener Daryl Mitchell’s equally impressive 178 off 333.

Moeen and Mitchell completed a secondwicket stand of 294 in 75.3 overs, started during Monday’s second day. Divison 1’s bottom side Worcestershire, chasing their second win of the campaign, prevented Yorkshire from claiming a single bowling bonus point before declaring with a lead of 356 and 52 overs remaining in the day.

The White Rose then reached stumps on 140 for six from 52 overs in their second innings, a deficit of 216. Kane Williamson top-scored with 61.

Moeen claimed his first two wickets in his first two overs before tea and finished with four for 35 from 18.

Worcestershire’s total was their highest against Yorkshire, breaking a 114-year record after their 456 for eight at New Road in 1904. Moeen’s score was the highest by a visiting batsman in Championship cricket on this ground.