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[wasted_talent]

Moeen Ali had a superb season this, and now has won a call up to the Lions squad. I was wondering if people have seen much of him? And if so, what is their view on him? Does he have what it takes to make it on the international stage as a batting all rounder? As by all accounts, his off spin apparently has improved rapidly over the last 12 months... Thoughts?

[Alvaro]

My favourite player to watch - there was a fantastic interview with him on cricinfo by George Dobell. He has signed a longterm contract with Worcs, which to some seemed strange, but his justification is a well-reasoned and mature one.

Very languid and easy on the eye. I didn't get to see him play this year, but apparently he has tightened his technique up.

The interview has much to do with the fact that if England were touring the subcontinent then he would be a strong candidate for the spinning allrounder No6 position.

[Nickauger]

My favourite player to watch - there was a fantastic interview with him on cricinfo by George Dobell. He has signed a longterm contract with Worcs, which to some seemed strange, but his justification is a well-reasoned and mature one.

Very languid and easy on the eye. I didn't get to see him play this year, but apparently he has tightened his technique up.

The interview has much to do with the fact that if England were touring the subcontinent then he would be a strong candidate for the spinning allrounder No6 position.

What were his reasons mate? Big fan of him as well, nice to see a player commit to a club for reasons other than money! Although it may have a negative impact on furthering his career!

[TangoWhiskey]

Moeen Ali had a superb season this, and now has won a call up to the Lions squad. I was wondering if people have seen much of him? And if so, what is their view on him? Does he have what it takes to make it on the international stage as a batting all rounder? As by all accounts, his off spin apparently has improved rapidly over the last 12 months... Thoughts?

I would like to think so. Got to think he'd do better for the balance of the side at No. 6 than Bairstow. 

[wasted_talent]

I would like to think so. Got to think he'd do better for the balance of the side at No. 6 than Bairstow.

Is there an argument his a better batter than Bairstow? But what about his off spin, will it stand up to international standard?

[Alvaro]

What were his reasons mate? Big fan of him as well, nice to see a player commit to a club for reasons other than money! Although it may have a negative impact on furthering his career!

http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/story/679723.html

They looked after him and respected his personal requirements regarding faith rather than just paying lip service.
I think that if he keeps getting runs and wickets and is part of Lions set-up, then it shouldn't matter.

[Manormanic]

A first class average of 38, mostly playing in the second division, does not suggest that Moeen is quite top class - it certainly does not compare at all favourably with the numbers Bairstow, Ballance, Taylor etc have acheived, more often in division 1.  When I've seen him bat, I've found him easy to watch but have always thought his game a little bit lightweight.

So I suppose the question is how much of a difference does his off spin make?  Hard to tell the quality at this stage, because whilst he has picked up some good hauls these have been on very helpful wickets in division 2.  Whilst Swann is playing, I'd say little - either of the B's has the attacking game England seem to require from their number six and Joe Root is perfectly efficient at getting through a few fill in overs.  There may be more of a vacancy if and when Swann calls it a day and England are forced to look at whether they really have a Test class replacement available to them.

Incidentally, the stuff about Worcester respecting his faith made me cringe; pure proselytising. 

[TangoWhiskey]

Is there an argument his a better batter than Bairstow? But what about his off spin, will it stand up to international standard?

I didn't say he was better than Bairstow, I said he'd be better for the balance of the side with what he brings with his bowling. His bowling might not be international standard but when you are playing only 4 front line bowlers it would be good to have someone who can get it down the other end to take some of the work load. Mind you, Bairstow is the best fielder in the side at the minute, so you'd be losing something there.

[Alvaro]

A first class average of 38, mostly playing in the second division, does not suggest that Moeen is quite top class - it certainly does not compare at all favourably with the numbers Bairstow, Ballance, Taylor etc have acheived, more often in division 1.  When I've seen him bat, I've found him easy to watch but have always thought his game a little bit lightweight.

So I suppose the question is how much of a difference does his off spin make?  Hard to tell the quality at this stage, because whilst he has picked up some good hauls these have been on very helpful wickets in division 2.  Whilst Swann is playing, I'd say little - either of the B's has the attacking game England seem to require from their number six and Joe Root is perfectly efficient at getting through a few fill in overs.  There may be more of a vacancy if and when Swann calls it a day and England are forced to look at whether they really have a Test class replacement available to them.

Incidentally, the stuff about Worcester respecting his faith made me cringe; pure proselytising.

I don't believe that it is cringeworthy - I take it at face value.

I think that his first class average is only part of the issue - he has obviously made strides. I don't know whether he is good enough for international honours. However, once he's in, he's great to watch.

[wasted_talent]

A first class average of 38, mostly playing in the second division, does not suggest that Moeen is quite top class - it certainly does not compare at all favourably with the numbers Bairstow, Ballance, Taylor etc have acheived, more often in division 1.  When I've seen him bat, I've found him easy to watch but have always thought his game a little bit lightweight.

So I suppose the question is how much of a difference does his off spin make?  Hard to tell the quality at this stage, because whilst he has picked up some good hauls these have been on very helpful wickets in division 2.  Whilst Swann is playing, I'd say little - either of the B's has the attacking game England seem to require from their number six and Joe Root is perfectly efficient at getting through a few fill in overs.  There may be more of a vacancy if and when Swann calls it a day and England are forced to look at whether they really have a Test class replacement available to them.

Incidentally, the stuff about Worcester respecting his faith made me cringe; pure proselytising.

that average you mention, i assume is a career average? whereas i believe the general opinion is his bettered himself as a player over the last 2 seasons.. so whilst its widely known previously he didnt fulfill his potential, the thinking is now his more mature and he understands his game better. based on consistent performances last 2 years, dont u agree?

[Manormanic]

I don't believe that it is cringeworthy - I take it at face value.

have to agree to disagree bud, to me its just preaching and smacks of a chip on the shoulder.

[Alvaro]

have to agree to disagree bud, to me its just preaching and smacks of a chip on the shoulder.

Fair enough - no hard feelings

[Manormanic]

that average you mention, i assume is a career average? whereas i believe the general opinion is his bettered himself as a player over the last 2 seasons.. so whilst its widely known previously he didnt fulfill his potential, the thinking is now his more mature and he understands his game better. based on consistent performances last 2 years, dont u agree?

He has looked a better player over the last couple of seasons, yes, but my point is that even with that he's only pushed his average up to a level that is solidly unremarkable for a guy who has only played a single season of division one cricket in his career.  Even in those good years his stats have been no better than the other contenders, despite them playing at the higher level (Bairstow, Ballance, Taylor, Chopra, Compton, Vince), so my view remains that he would need to prove that his spin was in itself a reason to select him...

[yogi206]

i think he is a lovely batsman to watch and think he is a very wristy player, like some others have said im not sure of his effectiveness on hitting a really big ball he is a top order bat so not sure his game would standup to a knock it over the rope rope in the current eng setup.i think he would be a great Test no.6 with his contribution of runs and time on his side, he is only young still

[Alvaro]

Are you kidding? One in five of his T20 boundaries is a 6...