Even before the question could be completed, England off-spinner Moeen Ali was quick to pronounce that the 2014 Test series against India was the turning point of his career
Moeen Ali
Even before the question could be completed, England off-spinner Moeen Ali was quick to pronounce that the 2014 Test series against India was the turning point of his career.
Moeen Ali
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He surprised many by exposing India's vulnerability against spin and ended up claiming 19 wickets in the five-Test series, the fourth highest haul by any spinner against India outside the subcontinent.
That series saw Moeen progress from being a part-time bowler to becoming wrecker-in-chief of the English attack.
"When you are bowling to these (Indian) guys, you get a feeling that you will get hit a lot. I was prepared for it. My confidence grew after taking a few wickets. I don't think I tormented them. The more I am playing, the better I am getting at it," said Moeen yesterday. Moeen claimed four wickets at Nottingham, three at the Lord's, where India won a Test for the first time, eight at Southampton, four at Manchester and 0-1 in the final Test at The Oval.
'I had no idols'
Moeen was candid when asked which spinner he idolised. "I had no idols. I am primarily a batsman. I used to bowl off-spin a bit, but now my batting has taken back seat and I am in the team for my bowling. I used to talk to (former Pakistan spinner) Saqlain (Mushtaq) and Mushi bhai (Mushtaq Ahmed, during his time with the England team). I haven't specifically worked with any bowlers. I used to concentrate a lot on my batting. I now train a lot for my bowling," said Moeen.
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