Friday, March 7th, 2014

Moeen Looks To Stake Claim For England World Cup Spot

Moeen Looks To Stake Claim For England World Cup Spot

Moeen Ali has his sights on trying to force his way into England's Twenty20 side after impressing in the 2-1 success over the West Indies in the 50 over series.

The Worcestershire all-rounder had scores of 44, 10 and 55 – his maiden half century for his country at senior level – and picked up a wicket with his spin in each of the contests in Antigua despite limited opportunities.

Now Moeen's thoughts will switch to the trio of Twenty20 clashes with the Windies at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown on March 9, 11 and 13 next week.

At stake will be the chance for Moeen to try and earn a place in England's starting eleven when they begin their defence of the Twenty20 World Cup against New Zealand in Chittagong on March 22.

Last summer Moeen scored 273 runs in 10 Twenty20 appearances for Worcestershire, with two half centuries, and topped their bowling averages with nine wickets at 22.33 runs apiece.

Moeen concluded the one-day series against the Windies with a sizeable contribution in the 25 run success and his half century came up off just 51 balls with a slog sweep for six off Marlon Samuels.

He also struck three fours before being bowled by Nikita Miller for 55 and laid the platform for Joe Root (107) and Jos Butler (99) to steer England to 303-6.

Moeen also made his mark when the Windies launched their reply.

He took a fine low catch on the backward square leg boundary to account for Dwayne Smith after he had hooked England skipper Stuart Broad.

Then Moeen struck with the ball in his first and only over with Darren Bravo caught at short mid wicket in spectacular fashion by Ravi Bopara.

Denesh Ramdin hit 128 off 109 balls for the home side but was last out with the total on 278 in the 48th over.