Saturday, May 23rd, 2015

Moeen Makes Double Strike For England Including Century-Maker Williamson

Moeen Makes Double Strike For England Including Century-Maker Williamson

Moeen Ali struck twice in the space of three balls for England on the third day of the first Investec Test with New Zealand at Lord's.

The Worcestershire all-rounder had already made his mark on this game by making 58 invaluable runs in England's first innings despite dropping down from number six to number eight.

And the 27-year-old, having dismissed Tom Latham yesterday, made his mark with his off spin even though the Black Caps remain in a strong position.

Moeen collected the prized wicket of Kane Williamson who had held the New Zealand innings together with a fine 132 although he found runs harder to come by today.

He perished when the ball went via his pad and the edge of his bat into the hands of Gary Ballance at leg slip.

New Zealand were then 470-6 and without addition to the score Moeen accounted for spinner Mark Craig who played for Gloucestershire against Worcestershire at Cheltenham last season.

Craig was adjudged lbw for a duck, instantly reviewed the decision but replays showed the ball hitting the top of off stump and it stayed with the umpires call.

Moeen finished with 3-94 from 26 overs as New Zealand were dismissed for 523 – a lead of 134.

Engand lost Adam Lyth and Ballance in making 70-2 by the close.