Moeen Ali finger injury could force Joe Root to bowl spin in Adelaide

ENGLAND’S chief spinner Moeen Ali could play the second Ashes Test in Adelaide as a specialist batsman due to a finger injury that will force his skipper, Joe Root, to step up and bowl in his place.

Moeen Ali (left) sits with spin coach Saqlain Mushtaq during a training session in Adelaide.

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MOEEN ALI is carrying a finger injury and it could affect his bowling in the Second Test.

The Worcestershire all-rounder did not bowl at practice here yesterday as he gave his right index finger as long as possible to heal.

Moeen suffered a split to the finger during the First Test and the injury is taking time to respond, The Sun reports.

He seems certain to play in Adelaide tomorrow even though his finger has not recovered from England’s problems in the First Test.

Moeen Ali (left) sits with spin coach Saqlain Mushtaq during a training session in Adelaide.

An England spokesman said: “Moeen decided himself not to bowl in the nets on Thursday but he is expected to be fit for the Test match.”

Even if he can’t bowl, Moeen is likely to play here as a specialist batsman with captain Joe Root available to bowl some part-time off-spin bowler.

He was a pivotal player at the first Test at the Gabbatoir — but not through anything he did with bat or ball.

Moeen’s controversial exit, stumped when he was on 40, sent the tourists tumbling from 155-5 in their second innings to 195 all out.

England captain Joe Root bowls during the Gabba Test, something he may have to do plenty more of in Adelaide.

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan and Michael Atherton agreed with TV umpire Chris Gaffaney ‘s stumping verdict after he watched many replays.

But the was outcry over the extra-thick white line across the crease, with some pundits feeling that was one more reason why Moeen should have been given the benefit of the doubt.

Moeen himself quickly put the incident behind him.

he said afterwards: “If I’d been bowling, I’d have wanted it out.

“You have to respect the umpire’s call and move on.”

Originally published as Moeen Ali finger injury could force Joe Root to bowl spin in Adelaide