England vs South Africa: Moeen Ali dedicates victory to Manchester attack victims

Moeen Ali dedicated England’s victory over South Africa to the victims of the Manchester terror attack earlier this week.

England won by 72 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series they hope will prepare them perfectly for next month’s Champions Trophy, but man-of-the-match Moeen said their thoughts were with those affected by Monday’s tragedy.

“A lot of guys were upset by what happened and we dedicate this game to them,” said Moeen. Twenty-two people were killed, and over 100 injured, after the explosion at the Manchester Arena.

There was a minute’s silence before today’s/Wednesday’s game, while flags at Headingley flew at half-mast.

Moeen admitted he had been surprised by his performance – an unbeaten 77 from 51 deliveries to hurry England to 339 for six, followed by two for 50 from his nine overs.

He told the BBC: “I backed my game today more than I have done in the past sometimes. I haven’t been batting or bowling very well so it’s nice to produce an all-round performance. I had a good net indoors yesterday/on Tuesday with (assistant coach) Paul Farbrace.

“He knows my game well and reminded me what I do well, gave me a few tips about my batting. I produced the sort of game I feel I have the ability to do – although I won’t be able to do it every time.

“There are some far better players than me in the side so when they don’t score runs, it is my turn to try to do something. Most of the time they do score runs, so this was a nice chance for me to do well for the team.”