England all-rounder Moeen Ali content with team's progress

Moeen Ali is understandably delighted with how the first Investec Ashes Test is progressing for England after he impressed with bat and ball on day two in Cardiff.

Moeen resumed on 26 overnight before being dismissed for 77 by Mitchell Starc as England reached 430 before they were bowled out.

The Worcestershire player then took 2-67 – dismissing Australia vice-captain Steve Smith and skipper Michael Clarke – to help the home side restrict their opponents to 264-5 at the close.

“We are very happy with the start we had with the bat and then to get five wickets, it has been a great effort,” he told Sky Sports Ashes HD.

“A couple of early wickets tomorrow and with the new ball around the corner, I think we are in the driving seat.

“Cooky (Alastair Cook) said for everyone just to play the way they play and I felt (I should) go out and be aggressive and play my shots, try and enjoy it and entertain everyone.”

Moeen struggled at times to cope with bouncers in last summer’s series with India but he looked comfortable against the Aussie pace attack at the SWALEC Stadium and admitted he has been working hard to improve this aspect of his game.

A couple of early wickets tomorrow and with the new ball around the corner, I think we are in the driving seat.

“It’s something I have been working on quite a lot over a period of time now with (England batting coach) Mark Ramprakash,” he added.

“We work on being decisive and clear in what we are going to do and for me, the best way to play is to take it on.

“It’s something I had to work on because I got in trouble against India last year and it was nice to get a couple of pull shots away.”

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