Moeen Ali went into England's second meeting with Bangladesh in Dhaka this morning (Friday) as the fourth highest run-scorer in all Test cricket during 2016.
The Worcestershire all-rounder has amassed 687 runs from 11 Tests with two centuries and four fifties during the calendar year to date.
Of course, England have played more Tests than any other country during that period and have the leading four run-scorers.
But the key statistic for Moeen is his runs have been acquired at an excellent average of 57.25 – a superb effort for someone who has batted predominantly this year at number seven or eight.
The 29-year-old, promoted to number five in this series with Bangladesh, hit 155 not out against Sri Lanka at Durham and 108 versus Pakistan at The Oval.
In addition he struck 61 against South Africa in Centurion, 63 and 86 not out against Pakistan in Birmingham and 68 last week off the Bangladesh attack in Chittagong.
Only Jonny Bairstow (1091 at 72.73), Joe Root (929 at 51.61) and Alastair Cook (828 at 46.00) have scored more Test runs than Moeen in this period.
Just below him are Azhar Ali (Pakistan) – 678 and Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 633.
Moeen is also the 12th highest Test wicket-taker during 2016 with 21 in 11 Tests although he will be striving to reduce an average of 56.95 runs per wicket.
