Thursday, December 8th, 2016

Moeen Ali Hits Half Century On Opening Day Of Fourth Test

Moeen Ali Hits Half Century On Opening Day Of Fourth Test

Moeen Ali hit a half century after England elected to bat in the fourth Test with India in Mumbai today.

The Worcestershire all-rounder went on the attack after tea and went to his fifty off 102 balls with four fours and a six after coming in at number four.

He employed the slog sweep effectively in partnership with debutant century-maker Keaton Jennings.

But the same stroke eventually led to his downfall as he top edged spinner Ravichandran Ashwin into the hands of mid wicket.

Moeen had added 94 in 32 overs with Jennings who departed in the same over for 112 to leave England on 230-4.

It was a return to form for Moeen who hit a century in the opening Test in Rajkot.

He had to wait until his 49th delivery for his first boundary, an edge wide of second slip off Umesh Yadav.

Moeen was unbeaten on 25 from 75 deliveries at tea but then upped the tempo.

He pulled Ravindra Jadeja for four and six over deep mid wicket and twice employed the slog sweep to collect boundaries in an over from Yadav.

Earlier skipper Alastair Cook had made 46 and Joe Root 21.

After the departure of Jonny Bairstow for 14, England closed on 288-5 from 94 overs.