Moeen Ali insists England can win Ashes in Australia even if Ben Stokes doesn’t go
MOEEN ALI has claimed England can win The Ashes this winter WITHOUT brawling Ben Stokes.
If Stokes is missing, Moeen will play an even more important role in England’s attempt to retain the little urn because he is the team’s other genuine all-rounder.
Asked if England can win without Stokes, the bearded cult hero said: “Yes, otherwise I feel there’s no point in going out there.
“If Ben’s not there, we’re going to have to play well but I definitely feel we can still win.”
Moeen is likely to move up one place to No 7 in the batting order if Stokes is not in AustraliA.
Wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow could occupy Stokes’ normal position at No 6.
Moeen averages 34 with the bat in 44 Tests with five centuries and has 128 wickets at 37 apiece.
Stokes averages 35 in 39 Tests with six centuries and has 95 wickets at 33.
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So Stokes’ figures are superior but not by much.
Stokes was arrested last Monday morning on suspicion of actual bodily harm.
And, following release of The Sun’s video of the street fight in Bristol, he and Alex Hales were removed from England selection until further notice.
Both Stokes, 26, and Hales have been ordered by police to return to Bristol this week for more questioning. Further disciplinary action from the ECB is likely to be guided by what the police decide.
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Moeen, 30, was man of the series in England’s 4-0 one-day victory over West Indies.
And he added: “I think we all know how good a cricketer Ben is and what he can bring to the table.
“He’s one of the main players we have and it would be great to have him out there but we’ll see what happens.
“I’d definitely be happy to move up the order. I’ll bat wherever but the higher, the better, I’d be very comfortable.
“I’m used to No 8 at the moment but, if I get told to bat seven, I feel capable of doing well there.
“With the confidence I’ve gained this year, I feel I can play the way I do.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of this summer and it’s been great for my cricket and development.”
England’s nine-wicket win in Southampton on Friday ended their longest home summer.
They depart on October 28 for a tour of Australia and New Zealand lasting over five months.
The squad for the five 50-over matches in Australia which follow The Ashes was due to be announced on Wednesday — but has been delayed because of the Stokes scandal.
Moeen will try to re-charge his batteries before starting to prepare for the trip Down Under.
He explained: “I’ll hopefully go away somewhere nice with the family, have some downtime and come back and train as hard as I can for The Ashes.
“Batting and bowling is going to be hard out there so I want to get ready for those conditions and keep up the confidence I have at the moment.
“I genuinely can’t wait, I’m very excited.
“When you’re a young player, you think you’d love to be on an Australia tour. Hopefully, I can go there and perform.
“If the Australian bowlers try to bounce me, that’s something I’m looking forward to and have been working on.
“I played in Australia in the World Cup in 2015 and feel it is a good place to bat when you get in.
“The ball doesn’t swing as much and hopefully I can express myself whatever number I bat.
“I’ll have to change a couple of things about the way I play but, in terms of mindset, I’ll do what I normally do.
“I don’t want to speak too early or seem too confident but I’ll make sure I’m ready.
“I have a chance to make a difference by performing well and, hopefully, we’ll get The Ashes.”
