Monday, March 3rd, 2014

Moeen Debut

Moeen Debut

Moeen Ali will be looking to build on his promising full England debut in Sunday's second one-day international with the West Indies in Antigua.

The Worcestershire all-rounder impressed with bat and ball in the opening encounter of the series on Friday at the same venue.

But his efforts ultimately proved in vain as the home side triumphed by 15 runs.

Moeen struck in his first spell after the West Indies had been put into bat in trapping Darren Bravo lbw for two as England reduced their hosts to 45-4.

He finished with a creditable 1-25 from six overs of spin and also took a sharp low catch at cover to dismiss Lendl Simmons (65) who shared in a century stand with Dwayne Bravo.

Dwayne Bravo (87 not out) and Darren Sammy (61) then plundered 116 off the last 10 overs as the West Indies reached 269-6.

Moeen also made a telling contribution with the bat, making 44 out of an opening stand of 96 with Michael Lumb.

He eventually lofted Dwayne Smith into the hands of Sunil Narine at long on and, although Lumb went onto to make a fine century, England fell short of their target and closed on 254-6.

Moeen has earned his chance after an outstanding 2013 campaign with Worcestershire and impressing with the England Lions this winter.

He is part of the England squad under the captaincy of Stuart Broad for the Windies tour and then the Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh next month.

Moeen underlined his commitment to Worcestershire by signing a new five year contract which commits his future at New Road until the end of the 2018 season.