ENGLAND and Worcestershire all-rounder Moeen Ali has said he is relishing the challenge of bowling to India’s formidable batting line-up this summer.
The five-match Test series gets underway today (Wednesday) at Trent Bridge, with the 27-year-old virtually guaranteed a starting spot following his heroic maiden century against Sri Lanka last month.
Moeen is likely to have his skills as a spinner tested to the full against the likes of Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but he said it was a challenge he was looking forward to.
“It is going to be tough because they are a very good side and have got some class players but so have we,” he added.
“We’ve got some top players in our side.
“Hopefully if we can all gel and really connect as a team, we can come out on top. I’m looking forward to it and am just going to give it my best shot.
“India may have no Tendulkar or Dravid but they will never struggle for having batters with Kohli and these guys coming in.
“Kohli is a very good player. I played against him in Bangladesh in a warm-up game and I couldn’t believe how good he was.”
Moeen will again be used as a part-time spinner and said he was happy to be deployed in whatever role he is asked to fulfil by skipper Alastair Cook.
He said: “It’s tough and different because these guys play spin day in and day out, Sri Lankans and Indians, so it’s not easy coming into your first game bowling against these guys.
“But to get Sangakkara out twice and another top order batter was nice.
“It’s just about adjusting to bowling at these guys compared to first class cricket but hopefully I can do a good job for England.
“It is tough (bowling short spells) but I’m happy to bowl whenever the captain says. My job is to try and bowl tight and pick up a couple of wickets here and there.
“As long as the captain is happy with me, I’m alright.”