Bangladesh v England: Moeen Ali told Alastair Cook to take him off if he didn't bowl maidens
Friday 28 October 2016 13:49, UK
Moeen Ali says he told Alastair Cook to take him off if he wasn't bowling maidens during day one of the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
With England searching for answers with Bangladesh 171-1 - Tamim Iqbal striking a century - Moeen took five-for, as the hosts collapsed to 220 all out.
Moeen took inspiration from a miserly Ben Stokes, who finished with 2-13 from his 11 overs, telling his skipper to haul him out of the attack if he leaked runs.
"Stokesy was the main guy," said Moeen. "He was reversing it at good pace, and hitting a brilliant length as well.
"I actually told Cooky, if I'm not bowling maidens, then take me off. I put pressure on myself to do that, and it paid off.
"Considering where we were at one stage after lunch, we're obviously very pleased to have bowled them out.
"They batted really well. They were aggressive, and Tamim, when he plays like that, is hard to stop.
"He scores in areas where it's difficult to put fielders in. Some of his shots over extra cover are particularly good, and he's got a very solid defence actually, especially against spin.
"But we knew once we got a couple of wickets, we could roll them out. Stokesy and myself built the pressure on them, and then got our rewards."
Following England's stirring fightback with the ball, they lost three quick wickets to finish 50-3 when rain brought play to an early close.
Moeen is not out on two overnight, and says he and Joe Root (15no) are determined to play positively despite the early setbacks.
"To lose the three wickets before the close of play was disappointing," added Moeen. "It's going to be tough for our batsmen. We're going to have to bat really well.
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"Me and Rooty are both pretty positive against spin. We will have to play quite smart, look to score, and not just prod away.
"I'd say things are 50/50 at the moment in the match. But we're going to take the game to them, and try to build a big partnership."
Watch day two of the second Test between Bangladesh and England live on Sky Sports 2 from 4.45am on Saturday.
