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Moeen Ali urges British Pakistani community to help flood victims
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
Obviously our roots are Pakistani so we should try to help them as much as we can, says Moeen Ali -
Fact-check: Cricketer Moeen Ali did not tweet about 'boycotting India'
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
Post circulated as Muslims took to streets in huge protests around Asia, sparked by firebrand politician Nupur Sharma's anti-Islam comments -
"Pakistan is my second home, so I made this decision. Always Love Pakistan," Moeen Ali writes on Twitter
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Moeen Ali open to England Test comeback for Pakistan tour
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
?When, or if, (England head coach) Baz McCullum wants me, I?ll definitely play in Pakistan,? says Moeen Ali -
The management of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is anxious about England National Cricket Team all-rounder Moeen Ali's visa concerns delaying his arrival. Moeen Ali, the star England batting all-rounder, shone for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, playing a significant role in the team's victory. As a result, he was retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction for INR 8 crore. Two England players retained by their IPL franchises for 2022: Jos Buttler at Rajasthan for Rs. 10 crore (£1m approx) and Moeen Ali at Chennai for Rs. 8 crore (£800k) Archer, Bairstow, Stokes etc. should be in line for big paydays at the mega-auction — Matt Roller (@mroller98) November 30, 2021 Meanwhile, Moeen submitted for his Visa on February 28 and has yet to get travel documents, according to CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also assisting the franchise in obtaining Moeen as quickly as feasible. Crickbuzz quoted Viswanathan saying that it was on February 28 that Ali had applied for his visa which means that it has been submitted for more than 20 days. He has travelled to India several times but has failed to obtain travel documents. CSK are hopeful he'll be able to join the squad shortly. Ruturaj Gaikwad has started his training with the team. Heard Moeen Ali's arrival is delayed due to some visa issues only so he'll be here too. Chahar is the only one left. Hope he'll be able to join pretty soon as well. Everything's going pretty well so far. — Heisenberg (@internetumpire) March 19, 2022 The Super Kings have also requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene, use their authority to fast-forward the whole process and have one of their top-performers in the squad as soon as possible, albeit the delays have already taken place. However, Moeen Ali and CSK aren’t the only parties that are facing visa trouble with the league starting in less than a week’s time. The newly formed Gujarat Titans are also in the same boat as the Ahmedabad-based franchise has added Abdul Naim from the United Kingdom and Mithun Manhas from Delhi to its coaching staff. Manhas has already joined the team, but Abdul Naim's travel documents have yet to be cleared. View this post on Instagram The four-time title winners and the reigning IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings will kick off their Indian Premier League 2022 campaign on March 26 at Wankhede Stadium against last year's finalist Kolkata Knight Riders. The latest edition of the tournament is set to take place between March 26 and May 29. The league stage games will be held in Maharashtra at four distinct venues: Wankhede Stadium, Dy Patil Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, and Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. View the full article
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England?s all-rounder Moeen Ali decides to retire from Test cricket
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
Moeen Ali is expected to continue his career for England in white-ball cricket -
Birmingham?s Spark Green Park transformed to honour Moeen Ali
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
?To see it transformed makes me feel very proud," says Moeen Ali; who grew up playing sports in the area -
Calling out England cricketer Moeen Ali for reasons known only to her, Bangladesh-born author Taslima Nasreen recently shared a tweet from her official account talking about how the 33-year-old would have joined ISIS if he were not “stuck” playing cricket for England. © Twitter - Taslima Nasreen Following a massive social media backlash and being shamed by Ali’s England teammates for unnecessary provocation, Nasreen ended up deleting the tweet but later offered a justification to her followers about how it was meant to be sarcastic in tone. Haters know very well that my Moeen Ali tweet was sarcastic. But they made that an issue to humiliate me because I try to secularize Muslim society & I oppose Islamic fanaticism. One of the greatest tragedies of humankind is pro-women leftists support anti-women Islamists. — taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) April 6, 2021 “Haters know very well that my Moeen Ali tweet was sarcastic. But they made that an issue to humiliate me because I try to secularize Muslim society & I oppose Islamic fanaticism. One of the greatest tragedies of humankind is pro-women leftists support anti-women Islamists,” she tweeted. Nasreen’s justification sat well with a very small section of the angry fans of Ali, who is an international cricketing presence, and his father was certainly not one of them. © Mid-Day In an interview with The Indian Express, Moeen’s father, Munir Ali leaves very little to the imagination about how furious he was with what Nasreen had to say. "I am hurt and shocked to read Taslima Nasreen's vile remark against my son Moeen. In her "clarifying" tweet, where she described her original remark as sarcasm, she also says she stands against fundamentalism," Munir was quoted as saying by The Indian Express . "If she looks into a mirror, she will know what she tweeted is what is fundamentalist - a vicious stereotype against a Muslim person, a clearly Islamophobic statement. Someone who doesn't have self-respect and respect for others can only stoop to this level." View this post on Instagram "Truth be told, I am really angry, but I know I would be playing into the hands of people like her if I let my rage get out of control. If I get to meet her someday, I will tell what I really think of her on her face. For now, I would ask her to pick a dictionary and see the meaning of sarcasm." "It's not what she thinks it is. It's not spewing vile poisonous stuff against someone you don't even know and then retracting it by saying it was sarcasm. Of all the people to pick on for her agenda, I can't believe she has chosen my son. Everyone in the cricketing world knows the person he is," he added. View the full article
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On Monday, author Taslima Nasreen wrote a tweet on England cricketer Moeen Ali in what she calls a “sarcastic” tone in which she said that had he not been “stuck with cricket, he would have gone to Syria to join ISIS”. © Twitter - Taslima Nasreen Fans and players from all over the world have united to protect the renowned international cricketer from such hateful comments and call out the Bangladesh-born Nasreen for the unwarranted “sarcasm”. Are you okay ? I don’t think you’re okay https://t.co/rmiFHhDXiO — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) April 6, 2021 “Are you okay ? I don’t think you’re okay,” wrote England pacer and Ali’s teammate Jofra Archer. Sarcastic ? No one is laughing , not even yourself , the least you can do is delete the tweet https://t.co/Dl7lWdvSd4 — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) April 6, 2021Can’t believe this. Disgusting tweet. Disgusting individual https://t.co/g8O1MWyR81 — Saqib Mahmood (@SaqMahmood25) April 6, 2021Please everyone report taslimas account! Disgusting! — Sam Billings (@sambillings) April 6, 2021After facing a social media backlash, Nasreen ended up deleting the original post and tried to justify her actions. Haters know very well that my Moeen Ali tweet was sarcastic. But they made that an issue to humiliate me because I try to secularize Muslim society & I oppose Islamic fanaticism. One of the greatest tragedies of humankind is pro-women leftists support anti-women Islamists. — taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) April 6, 2021 “Haters know very well that my Moeen Ali tweet was sarcastic. But they made that an issue to humiliate me because I try to secularize Muslim society & I oppose Islamic fanaticism. One of the greatest tragedies of humankind is pro-women leftists support anti-women Islamists,” she said. Still, the reason that led to Nasreen’s provocative tweet forwards the English player remains unclear. Over the weekend, it was rumoured that Ali had made a request to his Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings to remove the logo of a surrogate product of an alcohol-selling sponsor from his jersey. However, the CSK management officially announced that no such requests were made by the all-rounder. #MoeenAli Requested #CSK to remove Alcohol Brand logo from his Jersey, CSK agreed to it Class from both Moeen & CSK ️#IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/5QLoLCxLu3 — Thyview (@Thyview) April 4, 2021 “It was misquoted and nobody has raised that point,” CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told The Indian Express. Moeen Ali is yet to respond to the incident. Not The First Time Ali’s Suffered Hate On The Religious FrontDuring a Test match against a touring Indian team back in 2014, Ali was seen wearing wristbands that said “Free Palestine” and “Save Gaza” which had also enraged a lot of people and even led to the cricketer receiving death threats for his protest. Moeen Ali asked to remove the 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' wristbands | http://t.co/13qMOC0VAM #engvind pic.twitter.com/alCkRNnl4Q — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 29, 2014 “I was surprised. Let me just say that he did what he believed in. I don’t think he expected it to blow up big as it did,” Moeen’s brother Kadeer had told The Indian Express over the Palestine controversy. “I want people to know I am Muslim and British and proud of both. I want Asian kids to look at me and realise that they, too, can enjoy a career in cricket,” he was quoted as saying by Wisden back in 2019. View the full article
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Chris Woakes has been deemed as a possible close contact, says England and Wales Cricket Board
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Moeen Ali counting the days to play cricket in Pakistan again
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
Talking on a conference call from Cape Town, the English allrounder said his team's tour of Pakistan will be a great moment for cricket. -
Vijay Varma aka Moeen from Gully Boy had no idea if he will make it or not in Bollywood, as he had no resources or means to help him kickstart his career in a cruel industry, where almost 100 newcomers come every day to try their luck. Until 13 months ago, not many people had heard of Vijay Varma, even though he had done several projects like Chittagong, Pink and Monsoon Shootout. It was Gully Boy that gave him a platform when people finally started noticing his work. View this post on Instagram#1yearofgullyboy also.. #happyvalentinesday ðA post shared by (@itsvijayvarma) You might have seen him even more recently in Baaghi 3. Well, it was no easy task for him to reach here as he had to struggle for a good 8 years to finally get noticed, and in the process, he even had to disconnect from his family and run away from home to make his dreams come true. View this post on InstagramAkhtar Lahori ðª #baaghi3 ð¸ @ruchitrajguruA post shared by (@itsvijayvarma) When Vijay started out, he didnât have high hopes or even any ambition, as he didnât have basic knowledge about how the industry truly works. MensXP got the opportunity to get in touch with Vijay and find out more about his inspiring journey and also talk about how difficult it was for him to make a mark for himself in Bollywood. I called him up and congratulated him on the success of both Gully Boy and Baaghi 3 and proceeded to ask him about how it all began for him. View this post on Instagram@sancha_sancha @devs213 @coachmarinaaa @versatile_makeoversartist @nm_design_studioA post shared by (@itsvijayvarma) âIt started in Hyderabad when I was studying there. I am born and bought up there and I have always wanted to pursue acting. It's just that I didn't have any resources or means to get into this field and to fill in the void, I tried several other jobs. But, I wasn't happy and I never wanted to join my father in the family business. I always wanted to be an actor and I actually never had the balls to accept it earlier to myself even, forget about confronting others,â he said. âEventually, I had to face the truth and I joined theatre school. I ran away from home and borrowed money from my friends. And that was the time, the real training started. Earlier, it was just about running from home and trying to pursue what I have been wanting but I never had high ambitions. I soon realized that I belong here. I was not one of the best students in the film school as I had no idea about films per se because I grew up in a household where people didn't watch many movies,â Vijay added. View this post on InstagramMajor posing for my new friend. Posing kaise karna hai yahaan seekhein. Art by random photographer on Juhu beach.A post shared by (@itsvijayvarma) With Vijay, the bigger issue was that he wasnât much informed about the industry until he started studying at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and for that, he had to run away from his home, as he mentioned earlier. It was FTII that opened the doors for him into the world of Bollywood and he finally got his first short movie and also faced his very first rejection. âI was really not informed about cinema but the discovery started when I was in FTII. So, Shor (the short movie) happened when Raj and DK had come to the institution and they somehow liked me for the role and with this, I got my first short movie. It was a pitch film that they wanted to show it to the producers for making a feature film. Well, I was kicked out of the feature film and it was my confrontation with rejection,â said the actor. © IMDB It was after this rejection, that the actor did stage for two years and wanted someone to notice him and his craft. âThen, I started to do whatever came my way. It was difficult to find work and I did stage for two years. I didn't want to go to auditions every day, get rejected and end up feeling miserable about myself. So, I rather chose the stage, hoping someday I will be noticed by important people but that also didn't happen (laughs). After that, some roles started to come my way and that's how I became a part of Chittagong and then, Monsoon Shootout. I started to audition and then Gully Boy came my way,â said the actor. Before any of this happened, it was a long journey that he had to take on his own, as even his parents didnât support him. Earlier, in an interview he had given during the promotions of Gully Boy, he had revealed that he had actual physical confrontations with his father, who did not approve of his career. Vijay firmly agreed with me when I brought up that generally, most Indian parents are of the belief that if their sons or daughters join a creative field, especially acting, âtoh paise kaise kamaenge?' or 'ghar kaise chalegaâ? © Excel Entertainment âYeah, I completely agree with you. My parents, when they used to read newspapers, used to find names like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan as they were the newsmakers. Your parents will never correlate those names with your children because they are too big. They didn't know that actors can survive without becoming a Shah Rukh Khan and I also realized that I can't give them that education,â he said. For Vijay, it was harder as he had to completely detach himself from his family because he had no idea if he would be able to make it or even start his career in this field for that matter. âIt was a difficult space and extremely problematic. There were times I used to avoid going even being physically ill, because I had no answer to their questions and I didn't want to see rejections in their eyes. I didn't even know if I would be able to make it. It was pretty dark and only work could fill the void. It went on about for about 7 to 8 years and I had to detach myself from my family. I can't be looking all miserable and you had to keep your sh*t together because you can't be using a bad day as an excuse. I actually learnt it and this kind of education wasn't given in film schools. The whole idea is to keep your mind sane when things are going awry,â said Vijay. View this post on InstagramMajor posing for my new friend. Posing kaise karna hai yahaan seekhein. Art by random photographer on Juhu beach.A post shared by (@itsvijayvarma) I then proceeded to ask him, very bluntly, as to how did he survive in an expensive city like Mumbai after completely cutting himself off from his family. On this, he said very frankly, âWell, for the first two or three years, my father gave me like a monthly thing, but I stopped taking it as I didn't want to be in a comfortable spot. After I stopped taking money, I actually realized what poverty is and then, I started to work and things came my way, Back then, even going to the theatre for watching a movie was a treat but I am glad that things are settled now.â View this post on InstagramHappy #worldtheatreday This is where it all started and this is where I found myself. Forever indebted to the stage. And to all my teachers. Will add details about the plays and anecdotes when I get time. Hyderabad-Pune-MumbaiA post shared by (@itsvijayvarma) Now that Vijay has finally made it, I was curious to know if his father is happy now to see him flourishing or is he still struggling to accept his son's decisions. âI am sure he is happy. There came a point that I stopped bothering myself about what he used to say about my career as their opinions had a direct impact on me. My dignity lies in my work and I am honest with my craft. I also know that when they see my work, they can see the efforts that I put in, even if it's a minor role. Apart from my father, I talk about my work with everyone in my family. My father made peace when he saw my picture with Amitabh Bachchan and then, he never bothered me as, somewhere, he knew that I am earning. It's a father's thing and at times, fathers can't put together their insecurities in front of their children,â Vijay asserted. After discussing his struggles, I panned our conversation towards about how actors are still given the tags of the lead actor or supporting actor. On this, he said, âThese tags have been existing from the time movies started. I don't see them going away in the ideal world. I don't mind the tag of a supporting actor. You know whenever someone acts well, directors say that 'yeh toh actor hai' and vice versa. It actually shows the mindset of such people. I am fine with these tags and I am at a place where I can choose what to do. In the future, you might see me playing a negative or a comic role, so keep the tags open in that case. I will keep surprising you.â View this post on InstagramBoys from the Naka. Voice of the streets. #GullyBoy #bts with Swag-Dev @ranveersingh ð¥ðA post shared by (@itsvijayvarma) Before wrapping up our conversation, I asked Vijay if he is happy with what he has achieved and what does he expect from his future in this industry. âI never had high ambitions. I just wanted to act in a movie and post that, things kept happening. I am happy that I came in touch with Zoya Akhtar and people know me now. Personally, I feel I have achieved milestones. From walking the red carpet at the Cannes to playing Ankit in Pink to Gully Boy, I believe everything just came to me at the right time. Having said that, it was Gully Boy that changed the trajectory and I loved my part,â Varma said. To end the interview on a lighter note, I wondered aloud that almost all the characters that he has played so far give âbhaiâ vibes and I wanted to know if he ever wants to play a romantic hero. âI would love to play a romantic hero but I don't get offered such roles very often. The ones that were offered didn't work out and sometimes, those characters weren't layered. I feel like the roles related to romantic heroes, for me, should more than just being a chocolate guy,â the actor said and signed off. Well, I really hope that Vijay keeps entertaining his fans and yes, in the future, also surprise them with a wide array of characters. View the full article
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Ever since Gully Boy released, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Vijay Varma became household names that youngsters started looking up to, thanks to their stellar performances in the movie. However, let's take a moment here and remember who they spent a lot of time with - the one and only Ranveer Singh. Of course, it's only natural for them to take 'fashion' more seriously, and turns out, they've started doing it. © Instagram/itsvijayvarma 'Mc Sher' and 'Moeen Bhai' was just spotted at a screening, wearing super cool outfits - with the chillest ever vibe. © Viral Bhayani While Siddhant wore a statement black tiger sweatshirt from Kenzo, Vijay went the sporty yet classy route with a funky white sweatshirt. © Viral Bhayani We are in love with their choice of lowers and footwear. While Siddhant opted for a pair of khaki jogger pants with a pair of white sneakers, Vijay's ripped jeans and black boots proved to be playful, yet sophisticated. © Viral Bhayani © Viral Bhayani All we can say is, Baba seems to have trained them really well, and we can't see what they have to offer next. All the best, boys!
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The thing that made 'Gully Boy' such a huge success is that it's a character-driven piece of cinema, where every character got its fair share of screen time, as well as importance in the storyline. Of course, all the actors gave their heart and soul to make it a success, and it happens very rarely in Bollywood. Out of those characters, MC Sher of course was able to win hearts as soon as he made his entry, but there is one more character that people remember and love, because of the sheer intensity and realism involved in its execution. The character of 'Moeen Bhai' was played by Vijay Varma with such honesty and grit, that it will be remembered by Bollywood for a very long time. Now, Vijay Varma's effortless screen presence has already made its mark, but did you know the man is just as effortless as a fashionista? Don't believe us? Here are 10 pictures that establish our claim. 1. Look at him teach us the true meaning of how to be cool in this pleated jumpsuit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Feb 14, 2019 at 6:21am PST 2. Those pants. We rest our case. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Jan 24, 2019 at 1:49pm PST 3. Suited up for the ramp Gods. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Feb 26, 2017 at 9:33pm PST 4. As a showstopper. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Feb 2, 2017 at 1:06pm PST 5. 'Edgy' got a whole new meaning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Dec 10, 2016 at 1:53am PST 6. This shade of brown and those shoes - who'd have thought? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Sep 16, 2016 at 3:48am PDT 7. The only word that comes to our mind is: 'Posh'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Apr 20, 2018 at 10:43pm PDT 8. Part of a set but look how aesthetic View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Jul 20, 2017 at 8:28am PDT 9. Using a tie as a band? Why not? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Dec 15, 2016 at 11:34am PST All we can say is, Moeen Bhai FTW.
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Ranveer Singh's 'Gully Boy' has turned everyone into a rapper, a skill people didn't know they had until they saw the movie. The latest addition in the list of 'talented yet lesser known' rappers is 'Dhadak' actor Ishaan Khatter. © Instagram While everyone is loving Murad (played by Ranveer Singh), MC Sher (Siddhant Chaturvedi) and Safeena (Alia Bhatt) from the movie, Ishaan's favourite character is actually Moeen Bhai (played by actor Vijay Varma) and he paid a tribute to his favourite character in the most kickass style possible. © Excel Entertainment Ishaan posted a video on social media today of his slaying the Moeen style rap and wrote, "Moeen bhai bole machao toh majboori thi, kya? In honour of one of my favourite films in a long time and Moeen bhai, one of @zoieakhtar 's best characters. Thank you @itsvijayvarma for making him a flesh and blood human being. @ranveersingh @aliaabhatt @siddhantchaturvedi @ozajay straight up gangstas." View this post on Instagram Moeen bhai bole machao toh majboori thi, kya? In honour of one of my favourite films in a long time and Moeen bhai, one of @zoieakhtar 's best characters. Thank you @itsvijayvarma for making him a flesh and blood human being. @ranveersingh @aliaabhatt @siddhantchaturvedi @ozajay straight up gangstas ð£ A post shared by Ishaan Khatter (@ishaan95) on Feb 20, 2019 at 7:56pm PST Well, now this is what we call a 'What a Wow' rap. Recently, actor Will Smith too was seen showering praises for Ranveer Singh, after watching 'Gully Boy'.
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For those following cricket, the success of seam and swing bowlers in England should no longer be a surprise. Everyone knows how effective the English conditions are for seamers who thrive on swing bowling. Thus, when India began their tour of England, the venomous tracks offering assistance to fast bowlers was something we all expected. The scenario in the five-match Test series was no different either, as the likes of James Anderson and his buddies ran amok to secure an early 2-0 lead for England. The third Test saw Virat Kohli and his teammates returning with more intent and the result was an emphatic 203-run win- a triumph that slowly, but surely allowed Indian fans to dream on for a historic series win. But, who knew that it will be a battle of spinners that'll eventually decide the fate of the series. The crucial fourth Test at the Ageas Bowl saw the visitors carrying their momentum from the last game as they reduced England to 246 runs in the first innings. While Jasprit Bumrah bagged three wickets, the likes of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin claimed two scalps apiece. But, as the game progressed, England spinner Moeen Ali began working his magic on a deteriorating surface that spelled doom for the Indian batsmen. © Reuters For a man who has been seen playing the second fiddle to Adil Rashid, Moeen went on to clinch a fifer, leaving the Indian batsmen in the wake of his majestic spin bowling. If it wasn't for Cheteshwar Pujara's gritty hundred, India wouldn't have managed to amass 273 runs in the first innings, especially when Moeen was spitting fire with his off-spin bowling. While Moeen's performance in the first innings surely dented India's chances, the visitors were still happy to see the assistance offered by the Ageas Bowl's surface to spin bowling. After all, they had their premier spinner Ashwin who almost propelled them to victory with his tally of seven wickets at Edgbaston. With the match becoming essentially a second innings battle, Kohli and the Indian fans were now waiting for Ashwin to weave his magic while using the surface to his advantage. There was a lot of rough- created by the follow-through of the quicks - around the right-hander's off-stump at the pavilion end, which was efficiently used by Moeen. And now, it was time for Ashwin to reap similar benefits. © Reuters But, at a time, when his side needed him the most, Ashwin didn't look in his element in the crucial innings. While Moeen was seen hitting the rough spots consistently, Ashwin failed to utilise them and was seen bowling wayward lengths while struggling for probing lines. And, Ashwin's figures of 1-84 in the second innings say it all. Ashwin's mediocre performance might have something to do with the groin injury that the Indian offie was nursing, but the fact that he was included in the playing XI made it imperative for him to deliver on a pitch, that looked good for spinners (at least for Moeen). On one hand, where Ashwin struggled to counter the England batsmen, Moeen carried his fine form from the first innings and once again wreaked havoc on the Indian middle-order in the final stages of the game. He dismissed a well-set Kohli after his delivery- once again bowled in the rough- looped off the pitch and took the glove of the Indian skipper before going straight into the hands of Alastair Cook at forward-short leg. © Reuters He struck again to dismiss young Rishabh Pant who still lacks maturity to deal with pressure in the longest format. And, then came the killer blow - one that surely put India out of contention at the Ageas Bowl. Moeen pushed Ajinkya Rahane back into the crease and got him plumb in front of the wickets. The tail-enders couldn't last long as England romped their way to a 60-run win and, in the process, sealed the five-match series. By the time Moeen was done with his carnage, he had nine wickets in his kitty at the expense of 134 runs against Ashwin's mediocre spell of 3-124. It was arguably Moeen's performance over the more distinguished Ashwin, that eventually served as a critical roadblock in India's dream of clinching the historic series win in England. And, while the experienced Ashwin lost the key battle to a man who, not very long, was considered a part-time spinner for England, the Indian cricket team- that was soaring high on confidence since their turnaround at Trent Bridge- eventually lost the war.
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England fans irked by ?Shoddy-line? decision on Moeen Ali
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
Tim Paine makes an appeal for Moeen Ali's stumping/Getty Images BRISBANE: Cricket can be a game of fine lines but England fans were irked that Moeen Ali was judged on the wrong side of a bulging one when the all-rounder was stumped on day four of the series-opening Ashes test on Sunday. Battling with Jonny Bairstow to push his team to a respectable total, Moeen?s back foot strayed forward as he played and missed at a ball from spinner Nathan Lyon, with wicketkeeper Tim Paine sharply whipping off the bails. The decision was referred upstairs and after lengthy deliberation using an array of angles, the third umpire Chris Gaffaney of New Zealand gave Moeen out for 40, with no clear evidence that the player?s foot was behind the line. While it appeared a marginal decision, there was no benefit of the doubt given and English fans at the Gabba greeted the dismissal with jeers as their team slumped to 155 for six. England then lost their last wickets for 40 runs to be out for 195 before Australia openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft pushed their team to 114 without loss, and needing only 56 runs for victory. David Warner celebrates his half-century as Australia came on brink of victory on day four of first Ashes test/Getty Images England?s ?Barmy Army? and a host of media pundits queried the integrity of the line on social media, as it did appear to be slightly wider at the middle of the pitch than at the edges. The decision was quickly dubbed ?Shoddy-line?, ?Bulge-gate? and other epithets but Moeen, himself, was loath to question it. ?If I was bowling, I would want it out,? quipped the bearded all-rounder. ?I guess it depends what angle you look at it from. You?ve got to respect umpires call and what he saw. ?You?ve just got to move on. I thought I was alright personally, but the replay did look very tight,? he added. ?Obviously disappointed with myself that I got out in that fashion. ?I was most disappointed with the time that I got out, I thought me and Jonny were just building a good partnership.? -
Moeen Ali's late dart got England ahead of the DLS, England v West Indies, 4th ODI, The Oval, September 27, 2017/Getty Images LONDON: Moeen Ali again proved England´s hero with the bat as they beat West Indies by six runs in a rain-marred fourth one-day international at The Oval to go an unbeatable 3-0 up with one to play in the series. England, without Ben Stokes after he was dropped following his arrest, were on course for defeat at 181 for five chasing 357 to win. But Ali, fresh from his match-winning century in the third ODI at Bristol on Sunday, made an unbeaten 48 off 25 balls including six fours and two sixes. Together with Jos Buttler (43 not out), he added 77 in eight overs. England were ahead under D/L when rain stopped play with their score on 258 for five off 35.1 overs Yet the match might have been beyond them had Evin Lewis, who made a stunning 176, not retired hurt in the 47th over after deflecting a Jake Ball delivery onto his right ankle. It was later announced that man-of-the-match Lewis, who had to be wheeled off the field on a stretcher and went to hospital without fielding, had suffered a hairline fracture that would sideline him for at least two weeks. Defeat was also tough on West Indies paceman Alzarri Joseph, who took all of England´s wickets during an ODI best haul of five for 56. ´Unfortunate´ "Evin set the tone for us up front," said West Indies captain Jason Holder. "Unfortunately he was unable to bat in the last few overs. "It´s not often one guy scores 170, another gets five wickets and you lose the game." Lewis´s innings, which surpassed his previous ODI hundred of 148 against Sri Lanka in Bulawayo in November last year, was the cornerstone of West Indies´ 356 for five. He was eyeing a double century until his freak injury left him writhing in agony. The 25-year-old Trinidad left-hander remained unbeaten, having faced 130 balls including 17 fours and seven sixes. His innings was the fourth highest in ODIs by a West Indies batsman. The Windies had slumped to 33 for three following Chris Woakes´s treble strike that included the fourth ball exit of Lewis´s fellow left-handed opener Chris Gayle who made a dashing 94 in Bristol. This match took place just hours after England unveiled their Ashes squad. They knew they would be without all-rounder Stokes -- included in the Ashes party and retained as Test vice-captain -- after his arrest in the early hours of Monday morning. Stokes, who has a broken finger, remains under investigation after being released without charge. Victorious England captain Eoin Morgan told reporters there might need to be a re-think regarding nights out. "We´ve always policed it ourselves, (but) it´s something we´re going to look into -- in light of what´s happened -- because we need to look after each other as a team," he said. As for the match, Morgan said: "Evin Lewis played well. We were up against it, but it was an extremely confident innings (from Ali)." Lewis completed a chanceless century, off 94 balls. Often billed as Gayle´s heir apparent, Lewis -- a far shorter and less muscular batsman -- hit two sixes in as many balls off fast bowler Liam Plunkett, the second a magnificent straight drive. He was missed on 122 when Jason Roy, running back from cover, dropped a tough chance. Roy, only recalled after fellow opener Alex Hales was omitted together with Stokes after the pair were out late prior to the latter´s arrest, cashed in with 84 on his Surrey home ground. His 66-ball innings ended when he was caught behind off Joseph to end an opening stand of 126 with Jonny Bairstow (39), who fell in similar fashion. West Indies must have thought it was their night when Joseph took his fifth wicket via a diving slip catch by Gayle, not renowned for his athleticism, that dismissed Sam Billings. But Ali and Buttler, together with the London weather, combined to give England a 15th win in 16 completed ODIs against West Indies.
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Moeen Ali BIRMINGHAM: Moeen Ali is confident it will take more than a pink ball to put him off his stride during England´s inaugural day/night Test. The off-spinning all-rounder was England´s man-of-the-series after starring with both bat and ball during the recent 3-1 Test triumph at home to South Africa. Now Birmingham-born Ali returns to the city´s Edgbaston ground, where he came through the youth ranks with Warwickshire before joining Midlands rivals Worcestershire, for what will also be the England team´s first taste of floodlit Test cricket in a series opener against the West Indies starting on Thursday. There has been much talk about how the pink ball -- required for floodlit Tests as the players´ traditional clothing makes the white ball familiar from one-day internationals as unusable as the standard red -- will affect bowlers. But Ali, who hit a fifty but bowled just three overs during the day-night round of County Championship fixtures scheduled as preparation for this Test, said: "It´s different... it feels lighter off the bat. "Sometimes you don´t feel like you´ve hit it, and it goes; other times you´ve nailed it, and it doesn´t," he added at an event staged by series sponsors Investec. "But you get used to it ... I did by the end of the (net) session." As for bowling with a pink ball, the 30-year-old Ali, who against South Africa became the first man to take 25 wickets in a four-Test series, said: "The seam is good -- it´s not quite as slippery. It spun, maybe because the seam is hard. "Seeing it is fine. It will be interesting at twilight, but I will try not to think about it." There have been suggestions that the pink ball does not swing as much or for as long as the traditional red cricket ball. Meanwhile Dukes, the British-based manufacturer of the pink ball in use for this week´s day/night Test have also had to endure a ´knocking campaign´ from Australian rivals Kookaburra. ´Cricketers are nutters´ But Dukes managing director Dilip Jadojia said much of the debate was "ill-informed". "One has to take many of these comments with a pinch of salt," Jadojia told Britain´s Press Association this week The pink ball has divided opinions among cricket followers "I ask for real evidence and at this moment there is no issue with the ball," added the India-born businessman, who bought Dukes in 1987. "Cricketers are nutters, and I know because I am one, but I´ve also been involved in making cricket balls for 45 years. "The pink ball is not an alien thing. It´s just perception, opinion and psychology," he insisted. But while some are debating the validity of pink balls, others are questioning the wisdom of playing day/night Tests in England, given how much longer it takes to go dark in an English season compared to an Australian one. Ali, however, said the potential for drawing a new audience had to be considered as well. "It might take time for people to get used to it, but it´s a great idea ... if it helps bring the crowds in."
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England hero Moeen Ali wants Ashes role for spin coach Saqlain Mushtaq
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
England star Moeen Ali wants Saqlain Mushtaq's coaching role made permanent so he can continue to work with him in the upcoming Ashes series following his record-breaking feats against South Africa. The 30-year-old Ali, an off-spinner and left-handed batsman, became the first man to score more than 250 runs and take 25 wickets in a four Test-match series during England's 3-1 win over the Proteas. Afterwards, Ali was unstinting in his praise of spin coach Saqlain. The former Pakistan off-spinner is, however, currently employed by the England and Wales Cricket Board on a consultancy basis only and Ali said: "If you are going to have batting, fielding and fast-bowling coaches, it would be nice to have a spin-bowling coach for pretty much all the games. "If I do get on that plane for the Ashes, hopefully I'll have Saqqy sitting next to me," he added. "I'd like him to be there. He can help me out."hopefully I'll have Saqqy sitting next to me," he added. "I'd like him to be there. He can help me out." Ali has often labelled himself a "second spinner". But his bowling has improved markedly under Saqlain's guidance. "Saqqy has been amazing for me in terms of helping with my fields, helping me understand my bowling a lot more than I had done previously -- and I think that has been the biggest difference," said Ali after bowling England to a 177-run win in the fourth Test at Old Trafford with more than a day to spare on Monday. Hashim Amla's 83 held England up but a toilet break gave Ali a chance to consult Saqlain and he subsequently had the star batsman lbw. It was the start of an Ali burst that yielded three wickets for five runs in 11 balls. Variations "He (Saqlain) gave me the option of putting a silly point in," Ali said. "Maybe it put something in the batter's mind in terms of playing forward. "I bowled a bit shorter, he went back. I think that made the difference. "There is always something new with Saqqy. The basics are the same, but he has found a few variations in my bowling which I am working on. "He is brilliant with my mindset," explained Ali, who ended the match with two wickets in two balls after finishing England's victory in the third Test at The Oval with a hat-trick. "Before, I just bowled. I didn't really think too much," added Ali, who finished with five for 69 on Monday. "I let the captain set the field. Saqlain has helped me understand my action, field settings and the type of batsmen," said Ali, who took 10 wickets in England's first Test win at Lord's. Ashes-holders England have three Tests at home to the West Indies before they travel to Australia, with Ali hinting at a full-time role for Saqlain by saying: "That's not too far from the future."have three Tests at home to the West Indies before they travel to Australia, with Ali hinting at a full-time role for Saqlain by saying: "That's not too far from the future." The South Africa series also saw Ali make valuable runs, as exemplified by his unbeaten second-innings 75 at Old Trafford. "I feel a lot more confident in my ability," he said. "I feel like it was building... I had been batting well over the last year, and the bowling was coming." Although he won both the man-of-the-match and series awards on Monday, Ali took no part in some of the celebrations that followed England captain Joe Root lifting the Basil D'Oliveira Trophy. Ali's Muslim faith prohibits not just the drinking of alcohol but contact too -- a risk when champagne is being sprayed around on the winners' podium. But former captain Alastair Cook made sure Ali was included in all the team photos before the corks started popping at Old Trafford. "The team respects that, and I'm obviously very grateful," Ali said. "Cooky said 'make sure we take the picture first', and then I move out the way and they can do what they do. "I don't feel I miss out, it's just spraying a bottle, not that exciting really." -
Moeen Ali had Quinton de Kock caught at slip/Getty Images MANCHESTER: Moeen Ali finished a brilliant campaign with a five-wicket haul as England beat South Africa by 177 runs in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Monday to seal a 3-1 series win. Victory, achieved with more than a day to spare, also saw Joe Root triumphant in his first Test series as England captain. South Africa, set a huge 380 for victory, were bowled out for 202 shortly after tea on the fourth day when Ali took two wickets in two balls to remove Morne Morkel and Duanne Olivier. That gave the off-spinner a return of five for 69 in 19.5 overs and 25 wickets in total in a series where he also scored 252 runs. "This series I have felt more consistent with bat and ball, especially ball. I felt good rhythm after the first game. I contributed with the bat a couple of times," Ali told BBC Radio´s Test Match Special. "In general, I´m very pleased," the 30-year-old Worcestershire all-rounder added. This result meant England had won their first home Test series against South Africa since 1998. It was also just South Africa´s second defeat in 20 away Test series, their other overseas campaign reverse in that sequence coming against India in 2015/16. "I´m very pleased, a fantastic effort," said an elated Root. "We knew the target was a lot of runs and we set off brilliantly with the new ball." South Africa, 43 for three at lunch, saw Hashim Amla (83) and captain Faf du Plessis (61) put on 123 for the fourth wicket after James Anderson, bowling from the newly-named James Anderson End on his Lancashire home ground, and Stuart Broad had made early inroads. ´Relentless´ Ali then took three wickets for five runs in 11 balls -- including the prize scalp of Amla -- as the Proteas collapsed from 163 for three to 173 for six. "Broad and Anderson are relentless and our batting line-up wasn´t strong enough for them," said du Plessis after a match that seemed set to mark the end of Russell Domingo´s tenure as South Africa coach. "To lose Hashim and then the cluster of wickets was disappointing." Faf du Plessis shows his frustration as the final Test slips away/Getty Images Earlier, Ali, both the man-of-the-match and the hosts man-of-the-series, made 75 not out off just 66 balls in England´s second innings 243, having been dropped on 15. That left South Africa facing a mammoth chase, with no side having made more to win in the fourth innings of a Test at Old Trafford than England´s 294 for four against New Zealand in 2008. South Africa´s already difficult task was not helped when they lost both openers, leaving them at 18 for two. Dean Elgar, who made a gritty second-innings hundred in England´s 239-run victory in the third Test at The Oval -- a match Ali ended with a hat-trick -- fell for five on Monday when caught behind off Broad. Heino Kuhn, struggling to cement his Test place, repeatedly played and missed before, on 11, edging Anderson to Cook. Temba Bavuma again battled hard until, from off the last ball before lunch, he caught behind on review. Amla completed a 100-ball fifty and then twice forced Stokes off the back foot for two stylish fours, before lofting Ali for six. But with South Africa 163 for three, Amla missed an intended whip shot off Ali and was lbw, although England, had to review umpire Kumar Dharmasena´s original not out verdict. No replays were required when Quinton de Kock (one) edged a drive off Ali to Cook in the slips. And 173 for five became 173 for six when Theunis de Bruyn fell for a duck, nicking Ali to slip fielder Stokes. The end came quickly for South Africa, 182 for six at tea. Du Plessis, who played at Old Trafford for Lancashire, had added just one to his tea score when he was caught behind off Anderson, England´s all-time leading Test wicket-taker. Anderson, who finished with three for 16, then had Kagiso Rabada caught in the covers. Ali, appropriately, finished the match with Morkel holing out for a duck before Olivier, also out for nought, was taken by Stokes at slip.
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Moeen Ali puts England in sight of South Africa series win
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
MANCHESTER: Moeen Ali´s dashing fifty all but put the fourth Test beyond South Africa´s reach as England moved towards a series win at Old Trafford on Sunday. When rain ended the third´s play at 1615 GMT, England were 224 for eight in their second innings -- a lead of 360 runs -- with Ali unbeaten on 67. South Africa already needed to set a new ground record if they were to end this four-match series all square at 2-2 as no side have made more in the fourth innings of a Test at Old Trafford to win than England´s 294 for four against New Zealand in 2008. Ali made South Africa pay for Dean Elgar dropping him on 15 when a low slip chance off left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj did not stick. He may come in at No 8 for England but off-spinner Ali -- who earlier in this match took 20 wickets in a Test series for the first time in his career -- made his name with Worcestershire as a top-order batsman. Ali, who bats left-handed, was especially severe on Maharaj, hitting him for three resounding sixes. The second of those, a straight drive that saw Ali complete a 49-ball fifty -- was ´caught´ on the England dressing-room balcony by wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow to the delight of the crowd. England were bidding for a first home Test series win over South Africa since 1998, with Joe Root seeking a victory in his first Test series as England captain. South Africa resumed on 220 for nine and were soon all out for 226 when Stuart Broad dismissed last man Duanne Olivier. That gave England a healthy first-innings lead of 136. Olivier´s exit meant James Anderson, England´s all-time leading wicket-taker -- was denied a maiden five-wicket Test innings haul on his Lancashire home ground. But figures of four for 38 in 17 overs gave Anderson, who´d struck four times from the newly-named James Anderson End on Saturday, his best innings return in seven Tests at Old Trafford. South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel then removed both Alastair Cook (10) and Tom Westley (nine) with the aid of gully catches. -
Hat-trick hero Moeen Ali calls for greater Asian involvement in England cricket
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Moeen Ali says more work is needed if English cricket is to make the most of this enthusiasm for the sport LONDON: Moeen Ali believes English cricket is missing a trick by not reaching out to more potential players from Britain´s Asian communities. Ali, whose hat-trick sealed England´s 239-run win in the third Test against South Africa at The Oval on Monday, is the latest of several players of Asian descent to represent England, including former captain Nasser Hussain, with cricket deeply embedded in the life of many British Asian communities. But Ali, who was born and brought up in Birmingham, a city with one of Britain´s largest Asian populations, said more work was needed if English cricket was to make the most of this enthusiasm for the sport. "Now, a lot more south Asian people are thinking: ´Actually, I could make a good career from this now.´ But it´s also down to the counties to do more to help South-Asian kids," Ali, who started his career with Birmingham-based Warwickshire before moving to Midlands rivals Worcestershire, told the Guardian on Wednesday. "Look at Warwickshire. This is a big city of Asian people, so why can´t you produce any south Asian players? I don´t understand." ´Vast talent pool´ The England and Wales Cricket Board have launched a south Asian initiative to help develop players from those backgrounds and Ali said: "It´s a very good step in the right direction to ask people how the ECB can help them. It´s very positive because the pool of talent is vast. "But the south Asian mentality must also change. Cricket is not just batting and bowling. There´s a lot of physical stuff, fitness, fielding, diet, discipline, being on time." The bearded Ali, a 30-year-old off-spinning all-rounder, is also one of the most high profile practising Muslims in British public life and a representative of a community that has often felt stigmatised following recent terror attacks in Manchester and London. "There is such negativity in the media around Islam but when I play cricket for England I don´t have to say anything," Ali added. "I´m hoping people look at me and other Muslims and think: "Actually, it will be all right. They´re not too bad.´" Cook praise Meanwhile Ali, who made his name as a batsman, was hailed as an "unsung hero" by former England captain Alastair Cook. Alastair Cook has hailed Moeen Ali as an 'unsung hero' England are now 2-1 up against South Africa ahead of the fourth and final Test starting in Manchester on Friday. Ali is the leading bowler on either side with 18 wickets -- including a 10-wicket haul in England´s series-opening win at Lord´s where he also made 87. "It has been an amazing series for Mo, he is a legend," opening batsman Cook told BBC Radio Four´s Today programme. "He is the unsung hero in one sense. "He came into the side a few years ago when I was captain as a guy who could balance the side and bowl a little bit of off-spin and now he is the leading wicket-taker in the series. "His off-spin is actually very good, he´s not (former England off-spinner) Graeme Swann but his record is improving all the time." -
Moeen Ali hat-trick as England romp to South Africa Test win
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LONDON: Moeen Ali's hat-trick saw England complete a 239-run win over South Africa in the third Test at The Oval on Monday Victory put England 2-1 up in this four-match series with just the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting Friday to come. Off-spinner Ali ended the match when, after having Dean Elgar and Kagiso Rabada caught at first slip by Ben Stokes with the last two balls of his 16th over, had Morne Morkel lbw with the next. Resuming on 117 for four after being set a huge target of 492 for victory, South Africa were dismissed for 252 on the final day of what was the 100th Test at The Oval. Opening batsman Elgar, who made a gritty 136, got good support from Temba Bavuma (32) in a stand of 108 after South Africa had collapsed to 52 for four on Sunday. But Toby Roland-Jones's dream England debut continued when the Middlesex paceman struck twice in two balls before lunch on Monday to dismiss Bavuma and Vernon Philander. And when Chris Morris fell to the last ball before lunch, edging Ali to slip, South Africa were 205 for seven. This was a memorable match for all-rounder Stokes, who made 112 in the hosts' first innings 353 and then took two wickets in two balls late on Sunday. Roland-Jones returned figures of five for 57 in South Africa's meagre first innings 175, while fellow debutant Tom Westley made 59 in England's second innings 313 for eight declared. Brief scores England 353 (B Stokes 112, A Cook 88; M Morkel 3-70, K Rabada 3-85) and 313-8 dec (J Bairstow 63, T Westley 59, J Root 50; K Maharaj 3-50) v South Africa 175 (T Bavuma 52; T Roland-Jones 5-57, J Anderson 3-25) and 252 (D Elgar 136; M Ali 4-45, T Roland-Jones 3-72) Result: England won by 239 runs Series: England lead four-match series 2-1