Probably wouldn't have picked myself at one stage: Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali, England's all-rounder, has conceded that he perhaps would have dropped himself from the side earlier this season due to poor form. The left-handed batsman, however, has been able to turn things around by making useful contributions in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. In the fourth and final Test against the visitors at The Oval, he shone brightly by notching up an enterprising 152-ball 108 to help England recover from a spot of bother when they found themselves precariously placed at 110 for 5. The knock eventually resulted in England posting a competitive total of 328 on Thursday (August 11).

The Worcestershire all-rounder also was named Man of the Match in the third Test at Edgbaston last week after his twin fifties propelled England to a 141-run win. However, until the third Test, Moeen had a barren run, especially with the ball, having picked up just 12 wickets at 64.58 this year. The 29-year-old was also criticised for throwing his wicket away in England's second innings in the first Test at Lord's when he was bowled by legspinner Yasir Shah after recklessly charging down the pitch.

On his part, Moeen thanked the selectors and Alastair Cook, England's Test captain, for showing faith in him during tough times. "I have to thank the selectors and captain Cook, because I probably wouldn't have picked myself at that stage," Moeen said.

"At Lord's, I wasn't on it and I was really embarrassed. That is when I decided to bat properly again, and I have worked on my defence with batting coach Mark Ramprakash. I was sick and tired of not scoring many runs for England; it was a little bit embarrassing."

Thursday's innings was the third of Moeen's Test centuries and the second of his season after his 155 not out against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street in May.

"I think this was the best of my three Test hundreds. It will mean even more if we can go on and win the match and the series. I feel I have made an impact with the bat and I hope I can do the same with the ball," summed up Moeen.