Monday, August 25th, 2014

Moeen And England Are Frustrated By The Weather In One-Day Opener At Bristol

Moeen And England Are Frustrated By The Weather In One-Day Opener At Bristol

Moeen Ali's desire to experience more of the winning feeling with England was frustrated by the weather in the opening Royal London One-Day International Series clash with India at Bristol today.

The Worcestershire all-rounder enjoyed being part of a series-winning side with his country for the first time after a 3-1 success over India in the Investec Test Series.

Now England focus entirely on white ball cricket for the next six months with 16 ODIs against India, Sri Lanka and Australia as part of the build-up to the World Cup in February.

But persistent rain meant no play was possible at Bristol with the game being abandoned at lunch-time and now the two sides will try again at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Moeen excelled with the ball in the Test series, picking up 19 wickets with his off-spin, but is looking to bounce back from a testing series with the bat.

He said: "It has been fantastic, especially winning the series. It is a good feeling in the camp and we are looking forward to the one-dayers and hopefully we can win that series as well.

"Credit due to everyone involved, including the players, selectors, management.

"They stuck with the side, stuck with the players and backed us all and thankfully we came out on top and to win 3-1 is a great feeling.

"There is a good mood in the camp. It was great to taste that feeling of winning a series and once you get a taste of it, you want more.

"It was a great day when we won 3-1. Everyone celebrated nicely, everyone was together, and it was a really good day."

As regards his own performances in the Test series, Moeen said: "It went better than I expected with the ball. Batting-wise I found it tough. Test cricket is going to be tough so I've been tested. Hopefully I can bounce back.

"With the ball I was really pleased with the way I went. To pick up that many wickets against such a good side who play spin, I was really pleased. I was just happy to contribute to winning games.

"It's been a big turnaround. I had to adapt it to survive. I had to adapt my bowling and change quite a bit.

"The good thing is I was able to do it and not lose my attributes, drifting and all that kind of stuff. Hopefully I can keep on improving and get better at bowling, batting, fielding, all aspects of the game."

Moeen added: "With the batting, I've been in such good form for the past two years that there was always going to be some sort of dip. It just came at the wrong time.

"I'm not too down. There were a few things. I was a little bit unlucky in the dismissals and stuff but that kind of stuff happens.

"I'm quite a strong character, I'll keep looking forward and hopefully I can contribute with the bat.

"Was there a technical flaw? No, I think it was more mental to be honest with you. You get out once, and it's not like county cricket where you can just keep batting and work on your game while you're batting.

"I was batting once a week and you are always trying to fight it. Hopefully if I can get a little bit stronger mentally, then I'll be fine.

"I spoke to a few people. I don't feel like I got a problem (with the short ball). You get out a couple of times like that and you are going to get tested.

"There were a couple of good balls in there as well as a couple of poor executions but people can say what they want. I'm happy with my batting."