Moeen Ali : Top 5 bowling performances in Tests
Moeen Ali is currently one of the best all-rounders in Test cricket. Ali started his career as a left-handed batsman and a part-time off-spin bowler. He has played some brilliant knocks with the bat and performed equally well with the ball on a lot of occasions.
Ali who made his test debut in 2014 against Sri Lanka has played 51 test matches till date. He scored 2535 runs at an average of 32.50 with 5 centuries and 12 half-centuries. He has also picked up 138 wickets with an economy rate of 3.64.
On his day, he can spin a web and dismiss even some of the most feared batsmen. We look at his top 5 bowling performances in test cricket.
#5 5/69 vs South Africa, Old Trafford, 2017
England hosted South Africa for a 4-matches test series in 2017. After the first three tests, the host were leading the series, 2-1. The South African came into the 4th test looking to win the test match and tie the series. Joe Root won the toss and chose to bat first. England were bowled out for 362. Jonny Bairstow top scored with 99 runs and missed out on a very well deserved century by 1 run. Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, picked up 4 wickets for 91 runs.
In reply, South Africa got all-out for only 226 runs, thanks to the Anderson-Broad duo who ripped through the SA batting line-up picking up 7 wickets for just 84 runs. England who managed to secure a 136-run first innings lead got all-out for 243 in their second innings setting up a target of 380 for the visitors.
This is when Moeen Ali came up alive as he picked up his 4th 5-wicket haul going for 5/69. Ali was adjudged the Man of the Match for his terrific performance with the ball and his blistering 75* off 66 with 9 fours and 3 sixes.