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'He Will End His Career Thinking…': Nasser Hussain's Big Remarks on Moeen Ali

image-lkdikqxmFormer England captain Nasser Hussain • Source: Twitter 

Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes Moeen Ali's potential as a number three batter for England in the fourth Ashes 2023 Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, far exceeds what is commonly perceived by many. 

In the absence of Ollie Pope and with the Harry Brook experiment faltering at Headingley, the hosts chose to persist with Moeen Ali at No. 3. 

Though the decision raised a few eyebrows, Hussain highlighted the batting expertise of the all-rounder before he embarked on his journey as a specialist spinner. 

Ali's standout performance in the first innings of the ongoing Test at Old Trafford saw him score 54 runs off 82 deliveries for England, hitting seven boundaries in an impressive display. 

Here's what Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports Cricket about Ali's half-century knock:

"I think we forget what a good young batter Moeen was. Anyone watching a young Moeen growing up would say, ‘This lad can bat.’ That is the reason he has said he wants to bat at No. 3. He will end his career thinking he could have got more Test runs for the ability he has got. He wants to go out there and show the world again that he is a proper, proper batter.” 

During the lead-up to the Old Trafford Test, Ali spoke openly to reporters and shared his thoughts on why he felt batting at No.3 would serve the team's interests most effectively. He conceded: 

“I think Brook is a great player and will be a great player. I just personally feel like five is great for him, and the impact he can have at five is much more than what he can probably do at three at the moment."

"I’m not saying he won’t be a good No. 3, I just feel right now for the team, it’s probably best that I go three. I do enjoy batting three, the challenge of batting three. I think for the team right now, it’s the best thing.”

It will be intriguing to see whether the gamble of placing Moeen Ali at number three has yielded positive results and if the team will continue with this approach in the second innings and the crucial fifth and final Test of the ongoing Ashes series. 

As far as the current match is concerned, Zak Crawley's sensational knock of 189 runs, along with impressive half-centuries from Moeen Ali and Joe Root, has propelled England into a dominant position. Australia will resume their innings at 113/4 on the fourth day of the match.