Newly-appointed England vice-captain Moeen Ali heaped praises on his Chennai Super Kings’ teammate and Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. On Wednesday, Moeen Ali, who replaced wicketkeeper Jos Buttler as the vice-captain of the team for the 4th Test after the latter was given a paternity break due to the impending birth of his second child.
Ahead of the 4th test match, during a press conference Moeen Ali, talked about his new responsibility as the vice-captain. Speaking about the same, Ali said that it is a matter of huge honor and responsibility. He said:
“It’s amazing. To captain or vice-captain England in any form is huge and I’m very excited. I’m obviously not hoping for Joe to go off the field but if he does go off, I’m looking forward to the role,”
“That’s the beauty of sport in one way but I also know that Jos would have done it if I weren’t. Things can change quickly and to be given the role is great. I do speak a lot to the players and we bounce ideas off each other.”
Furthermore, Moeen Ali opined on India’s decision to exclude Ravichandran Ashwin for the first three Tests of the series and expressed that the premier off-spinner would make it in playing XI for the 4th Test at the Oval, London.
Now, with injury concerns looming over Jadeja, there are chances that Ashwin might play in the 4th Test match. Moeen Ali admitted that he found Ashwin’s omission surprising while hailing Ravindra Jadeja as one of his teammates. He showered praises at Jadeja and said that he is one of his ‘favorite cricketers’ in the world. He said:
“Most grounds in England spin a little bit anyway, some obviously more than others but there’s always a bit of spin. Ashwin… yeah, I think a little bit maybe. I also feel Jadeja is an amazing cricketer; one of my favourite cricketers in the world. I would always have him in my team no matter what. India after winning at Lord’s would have gone ahead with four seamers. I thought he did a great job. I’m sure Ashwin has been and will be considered going in tomorrow,”
