Worcestershire all-rounder Moeen Ali has been backed by England team-mate Jonny Bairstow after his challenging Ashes series.
Wicket-keeper batsman Bairstow said it is “unquestionable to even think that he is not in our best X1”
Moeen has struggled with bat and ball Down Under following a successful domestic campaign for his country against South Africa and the West Indies.
The 30-year-old suffered a side strain in the build-up to the Test series and then a cut spinning finger.
Bairstow, speaking ahead of the fifth Test in Sydney, said: “The guy (Moeen) is the second-fastest ever to 2000 Test runs and 100 Test wickets.
“It’s unquestionable to even think that he’s not in our best XI.
“He wouldn’t have played the first four Test matches if he wasn’t. There’s not many finger-spinners that will come to Australia and bowl teams out.
“It’s very important that we get behind Mo. He can take a game away from you.
“Whether it be the next game or the first Test in New Zealand, the capabilities of Moeen Ali are unquestioned.”
