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Moeen Ali to captain England against Pakistan
Allrounder Moeen Ali is all set to take over as the England’s T20 captain against Pakistan.
England are on a historic first tour of Pakistan in 17 years.
They will play seven T20s with the first match being played in Karachi on Tuesday.
The Birmingham-born Moeen has captained England in T20s before but he said that leading the side on this tour was a “huge and proud moment”.
Mooed Ali’s family hails from Pakistan.
Ali’s grandfather was from Mirpur in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and he spent some years of his childhood there.
Understandably, it’s a big moment for the talented all-rounder.
“Obviously with my roots being from here and to lead England in such a big series, a historic series is a huge and proud moment.” Ali said.
“My mum and dad, my friends and my family and community and everybody who I feel I represent is happy for me,” he added.
Captain Jos Buttler has travelled with the squad but hasn’t recovered from a calf injury, which opened the door for Moeen to take up the baton.
“I am not sure (when Buttler will play), he is a bit more careful and maybe at the back end of the tour he will play one or two games but it will depend on his progress,” Ali said.
“We want him fully fit for the World Cup so we will not risk anything.”
England is also without Liam Livingstone who is recovering from an ankle injury.
The first four T20s of the series will be played in Karachi.
Lahore will host the remaining three T20s.