Moeen Ali wants 'English pitch' in third Ashes Test at Edgbaston
Wednesday 22 July 2015 19:58, UK
Local boy Moeen Ali has echoed his captain's calls for a traditional English wicket when the Investec Ashes series reaches Edgbaston next week.
England's off-spinning all-rounder is a Birmingham native who began his county career at Warwickshire before joining Worcestershire in 2007.
Moeen is likely to retain his place in the side for the third Test as the home side aim to recover from a 405-run humiliation at Lord's, where they were twice bowled out on a flat wicket.
Alastair Cook called for more seamer-friendly strips in the aftermath of that defeat, despite the failure of his batsmen to deal with the Australia pace bowlers on a benign surface, and Moeen agrees.
The Ashes - Live
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "Lord's was a little too flat - I know we got bowled out for 100, but it brings us into the game to have English conditions. It suits our style of bowling."
The series is level at 1-1 heading to Edgbaston following one big win for each side, and Moeen has challenged England to take a leaf out of the Aussies' book and come back stronger after a heavy defeat,
"We knew they would come hard at us," said the 28-year-old, who acknowledged he needs to be "a little bit more consistent" with the bat if he is to move up the order from No 8.
"They're a very good side and they outplayed us by a mile last game, but we were very good in Cardiff so the series is going to be a good one, I think."
Watch The Ashes live on Sky Sports on Sky Sports Ashes HD or watch with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.
