England star Moeen Ali says stellar summer 'great for his confidence' ahead of Ashes

Moeen Ali believes the confidence gained from a stellar English summer will stand him in good stead for the challenges in Australia this winter.

The all-rounder’s place in England’s squad for the Ashes that will be announced at The Oval on Wednesday is not in doubt.

And the 53-ball hundred he scored to inspire England to victory in the third ODI against West Indies in Bristol on Sunday was another sign that Moeen is growing in stature. His innings was the second‑fastest century for England in ODI history and included eight sixes as he moved from 50 to 100 in a record 12 balls.

But when England began their summer with a one-day international against Ireland in May, Moeen was out of the team. The 30-year-old also started the Test summer against South Africa in July as England’s “No2 spinner”— in the words of coach Trevor Bayliss — behind Liam Dawson.

But he has fought back superbly, taking a hat-trick to seal victory in the Third Test against South Africa at The Oval and ending the summer with 30 Test wickets at 21.30 and scoring 596 runs in all formats at an average of 75.15. No wonder, then, he is looking ahead to the Ashes with relish.

“For my confidence, it’s been great,” Moeen said of his exploits. “I know there’s going to be tough times ahead [in Australia] and I try not to get too overconfident.

“But I feel I’ve played quite a bit for England now and that experience is allowing me to stay focused on what’s to come.”