Saturday, June 28th, 2014

Moeen Averages 50 Plus In Debut Test Series Against Sri Lankans

Moeen Averages 50 Plus In Debut Test Series Against Sri Lankans

Moeen Ali finished his first Test series with England against Sri Lanka with a healthy average of 54.00 – and as their fourth highest run-scorer.

The Worcestershire all-rounder scored 162 runs in his four knocks, mainly comprising of his 48 in the first innings at Lord's and 108 not out in the second innings at Headingley.

Joe Root (259), Gary Ballance (201) and Sam Robson (171) were the other main contributors.

Ali faced a total of 392 deliveries and had a strike rate of 41.32.

He also picked up three wickets in his role as part-time spinner including twice dismissing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara.

Ali's best figures were 2-74 in the second innings at Headingley and his overall return was 3-181 from 52 overs at an economy rate of 3.48.

He took one catch and it was an important one to dismiss Sri Lankan captain Angelo Matthews for 160 off Jimmy Anderson in the second innings at Headingley.

Sangakkara (342) was the overall highest run-scorer followed by Matthews (306) and then came Root, Ballance, Mahela Jayawardene (201), Robson and Ali.

Anderson (12) was the overall leading wicket-taker.