'Shall I just tee off now?': Moeen Ali switches on 'power-hitter' mode after groin injury

Australia were 61/1 in 25 overs as Day 1 of the 5th Test of the England vs Australia Ashes 2023 concluded at The Oval stadium. Earlier in the day, Pat Cummins won the toss and asked the home side to bat first. Australia proved the decision to be right as Mitchell Starc led the bowling attack with a sensational 4/82.

3 Things You Need To Know

• Australia retained the Ashes urn after the 4th Test ended in a draw
• The Aussies entered the 5th Ashes Test with a 2-1 lead
• England haven't won the Ashes series since 2015

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What happened to Moeen Ali on Day 1 of the ENG vs AUS 5th Test of Ashes 2023?

Moeen Ali was unbeaten on 11 runs after facing 38 balls in the first innings as he was seen having trouble in his groin. After receiving medical attention, Moeen stood back again and switched on his big-hitting mode. He struck a total of two sixes and two fours in the next eight balls, before perishing on Todd Murphy’s delivery. 

It was later revealed that Moeen injured his right groin and might on the risk of missing out on the rest of the 5th Ashes Test. In the meantime, Moeen did not come out to field during the 25 overs of Australia’s batting on Day 1 before the play closed. Speaking in the press conference on conclusion of Day 1’s play, England batsman Harry Brook, who partnered Moeen in a 111-run stand for the third wicket revealed his interesting mid-pitch chat with the star allrounder after his injury.

'As soon as the physio left the pitch he was like...': Harry Brook on Moeel Ali

“That was his decision really. As soon as the physio left the pitch he was like 'should I just tee off now'. And I said you should've been doing that from the start. He is one of the best power hitters in the world, and we have seen that in franchise cricket and white-ball cricket. He is one of the best power hitters in the world, and we have seen that in franchise cricket and white-ball cricket,” Brook said.

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However, as reported by cricket.com.au, it is possible that Moeen might not be able to bowl in the fifth Ashes Test. If that happens, England will have to rely on Joe Root for any help in the spin department. England captain Ben Stokes is already not bowling in the match due to his knee problems. Meanwhile, England have four other pacers in their playing XI, in the form of Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad and James Anderson.