Tuesday, July 29th, 2014

Moeen Strikes Twice With The Ball On Third Day As England Take Control

Moeen Strikes Twice With The Ball On Third Day As England Take Control

Moeen Ali struck twice with the ball in three overs to help England take control of the third Investec Test against India at the Ageas Bowl.

The Worcestershire all-rounder took his wicket tally as the part-time spinner to nine in two and a bit Tests against the Indians.

Moeen sent back Rohit Sharma (28) and Ajinkya Rahane (54).

India closed the third day on 323-8 – still needing 47 to avoid the possibility of being asked to follow on.

Moeen struck in his tenth over of the innings when Sharma lofted a delivery straight into the hands of Stuart Broad at mid off.

He then accounted for Rahane who only succeeded in miscueing a short ball high into the air and substitute fielder Shaun Terry claimed the catch at mid-wicket.

Moeen bowled a 12 over spell for 33 runs and the two wickets and then came back for a further two overs.

He ended the day with figures of 2-62 from 18 overs.

His nine wickets in the series have come at a respectable average of 36.66 runs apiece.

Only Jimmy Anderson (12) and Stuart Broad (10) have taken more wickets for England in the series to date.