Moeen Ali says he is putting team before his own performances with his move up to No3 for the Fourth Ashes Test and backed James Anderson to prove he is still England’s best bowler on his return to the side.
Moeen batted at first drop during England’s successful run chase in the Third Test at Headingley, having volunteered for the gig after watching Harry Brook make only three from the position in the first innings.
Brook had been promoted up the order for the first time in his Test career following Ollie Pope’s series-ending shoulder injury at Lord’s, but restored to No5 in the second innings made a vital 75 to anchor England’s chase.
In the immediate aftermath of the victory, Ben Stokes suggested Moeen’s redeployment would be a one-off, but on Monday, England confirmed their team for the must-win Fourth Test, with the all-rounder carded at No3.
“It’s obviously going to be challenging against Australia, the best bowling attack in the world,” Moeen said. “But I’ve done it in county cricket - I know it’s completely different but it’s not totally alien and I’ve done it before for England. I’m looking forward to it.
"I’ve always thought [batting] six or seven was nice, but I do enjoy the challenge of batting at three. I think for the team right now it’s the best thing.
"It’s not easy because they are very good but it’s one of those things, don’t overthink it.”
Moeen’s move up the order is the latest in a remarkable series of events that have seen the 36-year-old go from red-ball retirement to a role as both England’s No3 and frontline spinner in little more than a month.
While Moeen’s promotion at Headingley was based on the idea he might make a swift dent in England’s target, the Warwickshire man suggested his role in Manchester will be to protect the likes of Joe Root and Brook from the new ball should an early wicket fall.
“I think Brooky is a great player and will be a great player,” Moeen added. “I just personally feel five is great for him. The impact he can have there is much more than he probably can at three at the moment. I’m not saying he won’t be a great No3, I just feel right now for the team it’s probably best I go three.
“If I come off once in four knocks [in the series] and chip in the other ones it’ll be a decent job done.”
Aside from Moeen’s move, the only change to the England XI from the Third Test sees Anderson come back into the side in place of Ollie Robinson.
Anderson played the first two Tests of the series but looked out of sorts and took only three wickets before being rested at Leeds, with the plan always for the 41-year-old to return on his home ground.
“He’s the best bowler we have and have had over the years,” Moeen said. “Obviously, him and [Stuart] Broady have been outstanding but Jimmy’s Jimmy. I thought even in the first two games, I actually thought he bowled really well. When he feels like, or people say, that he doesn’t bowl well, he doesn’t go for any runs.
“He’s been a bit unfortunate with catches and things not going his way. But there’s no doubt England are a better team with James Anderson in it.”
