Moeen Ali claims England will relish being one of the favourites for next month’s 50-over World Cup… as he insists Jos Buttler’s side are ‘not overawed by any occasion’
- England are set to get their 50-over World Cup campaign underway next month
- Jos Buttler’s side are reigning champions after their dramatic triumph in 2019
- Moeen Ali believes England will relish the ‘luxury’ of being one of the favourites
Moeen Ali believes England will relish the ‘luxury’ of going into next month’s 50-over World Cup in India knowing they can defend the title they won four years ago at Lord’s.
Their white-ball preparations suffered a hiccup on Sunday, when New Zealand thrashed them by 74 runs in the third T20 at Edgbaston. Victory on Tuesday at Trent Bridge would allow the tourists to square the series ahead of four ODIs.
But Ali, whose 16-ball 26 meant he was one of the few to emerge from Birmingham with any credit, says the days of England arriving at World Cups simply crossing their fingers are long gone.
They are already the first men’s team to hold both the 50-over and T20 World Cups simultaneously, and Jos Buttler’s side are now looking to become the first to retain the one-day trophy since Australia in 2007.
‘The mindset’s completely different now,’ said Moeen. ‘Playing IPLs and stuff has been unbelievable, and great experience for everyone. We’re not overawed by the occasions.
Moeen Ali believes England will relish the ‘luxury’ of going into next month’s 50-over World Cup in India knowing they can defend the title they won four years ago at Lord’s
Ali insisted Jos Buttler’s side are full of confidence and are not overawed by any occasion
‘It’s not like we go into World Cups now thinking we’re not going to win it. We’re in that luxury position of knowing you’ve got a great chance to win.’
And Moeen, who admitted he could retire from ODIs after the tournament ends, added his voice to the growing chorus of those who suspect Harry Brook may yet force his way into England’s 15-man squad.
‘Harry Brook is going to be a great player, and he’s playing great at the minute,’ he said.
‘He’s been unlucky to miss out but the way he’s playing he could come back in, you never know.”
England currently hold both the 50 and 20-over World Cups are are hoping to retain the one-day crown in India next month (pictured – England celebrate winning the World T20 last year)
The all-rounder also heaped praise on the in-form Harry Brook – who was excluded from England’s World Cup squad – and suggested the Yorkshireman could still force his way in
‘It’s a great headache to have as a side, and I’m sure the captain and the coaches are thinking the same thing.’
Moeen also defended Dawid Malan, who has made two runs in two innings while chewing up 15 balls since he anchored England’s chase in Durham with a half-century, and could come under pressure to make way for Brook.
‘One thing with Malan is he’s never let the team down,’ said Moeen. ‘He’s been on all the tours and done really well: he’s always scored runs. You’re guaranteed runs from him, he hardly ever fails.
‘These two innings, he’s obviously human and people do miss out but he will score a lot of runs for England to come.’
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