Moeen Ali, nursing what looked like a groin injury, upped the ante after lunch, giving himself room and planting Australia captain Pat Cummins for six over mid-wicket.

Moeen, once more batting at No.3, batted watchfully in a chaotic morning session at the Kia Oval.

Ben Duckett got England off to a flyer before gloving one behind off Mitch Marsh for a run-a-ball 41. His wicket prompted a mini-collapse in bowling friendly conditions after Australia won the toss for the first time this series with Zak Crawley edging behind to second slip for 22 before Joe Root chopped on off Josh Hazlewood for five.

After England lost their third wicket, No. 5 Harry Brook launched somewhat of a counter-attack, eventually reaching his fifty off just 44 deliveries. Brook’s innings was not without its luck though, he was dropped by Alex Carey behind the stumps on five.

In contrast, Moeen was far more sedate. reaching the lunch break on 10 off 28 balls. He completely changed his approach, though, after picking up what appeared to be a groin injury when on 11. Moeen subsequently moved with discomfort with quick singles no longer on his or Brook’s radar. With the injury inhibiting his footwork, Moeen looked to give himself room and just free his arms.

Moeen’s own counter-attack started with a statement six over mid-wicket off Cummins after giving himself room. From that point on he almost played a shot a ball – he eventually fell for 34, taking 23 off the 10 deliveries he faced before his injury.

You can watch Moeen Ali deposit Pat Cummins into the stands below:

Shot of the day that 😉 pic.twitter.com/i7g2H8VNal

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2023