Southampton, July 31 (IANS) England captain Alastair Cook Thursday praised Moeen Ali and said the part-time spinner had improved “leaps and bounds” — thanks to his stint with Worcestershire where he bowls with Pakistan offie Saeed Ajmal.
Moeen Ali produced a match-winning spell, taking six wickets as India were bowled out for 178 in their second innings, handing England a 266-run win in the third cricket Test at The Rose Bowl here Thursday.
With the comprehensive win, England tied the five-match series 1-1.
“The team from 1 to 11 have been fantastic. Moeen’s bowling has come on leaps and bounds, credit to him. When you’re bowing behind Ajmal at Worcester and he’s been bowling a lot. Responding really well and on a spinning wicket to get a six-for, can’t really ask for more,” Cook said at the post-match presentation.
The English opener said that his team won every single session in the match and deserved the win.
“Happy is the word, not relieved. We pretty much won every single session and that credit to the guys. It’s a great win, we wanted to get on that wicket first and to get 570 is a great start and bowled well and batted quickly and knocked them over again,” said Cook.
Cook, though, said that he was frustrated at not reaching the three-figure mark after a 95 in the first innings and an unbeaten 70 in the second.
“I thought my game was heading in the right direction even with 10s and 20s. Frustrating not to get the hundred, but I’d take what I got. Getting back into the ball is vital, I’m pretty good with the short ball. I nicked outside off stump and I had to take care of that. I had to work incredibly hard. Jos Buttler’s been brilliant with his quick runs and his keeping has been great too. Leader of the attack, James Anderson. Got a couple of wickets to set us off and settle nerves.”
