Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar believes Moeen Ali is going to be a big threat to India. The off-spinner had scalped five wickets in the first innings as he had breathed down the neck of the Indian batsmen. Ali made most of the rough patch outside the off-stump as he landed 28% of his deliveries in the rough patch.
However, Ravichandran Ashwin was not able to create the same magic.
In fact, Moeen Ali has had a fine record while playing against India at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton. Ali had scalped eight wickets at the very same venue in 2014. The all-rounder had taken six wickets in the second innings.
Moeen Ali continues with the penchant of hunting down the Indian batsmen at Southampton.
Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar reckons the pitch is not turning square and found a fault in the batsmen’s technique.
“India will be more concerned that Moeen Ali took five wickets on a pitch which didn’t help spin at all, India knew that they did not want to chase more than 150 to 200 in the second innings for it is not going to be easy batting in the fourth innings,” Sunil Gavaskar wrote for Times of India.
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“With 20 wickets falling on the first two days, it would appear that there’s a devil in the pitch. While the ball has certainly moved a lot, it’s mainly ordinary technique and head positioning that has led to the batsmen’s downfall.”
On the other hand, India’s fast bowler has been brilliant with the ball. They have hit the right areas and have been the biggest positive for the tourists.
“India’s seam bowlers have been quite outstanding, with Bumrah leading the pack. He has bowled with pace and got the ball to move considerably and has been a threat just about every ball.”
“Ishant has been steady without looking as dangerous as he did in the first couple of Tests. Mohammad Shami has blown hot and cold but has been unlucky too, as he has gone past the outside edge often. They gave India the upper hand on Day One after England won the toss and batted and here again they have given India a chance to level the series,” Sunil Gavaskar wrote.
Moeen Ali had troubled the Indian batsmen in the first innings. In fact, the off-spinner is expected to trouble the Indian batters more in fourth innings.