New England vice-captain, Moeen Ali is planning on taking over as Joe Root’s deputy when the 4th Test versus India begins at the Oval on Thursday. Ali took over as vice-captain of the squad for the 4th Test on Wednesday after wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was allowed a paternity vacation owing to the anticipated birth of his 2nd kid.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Representing England is a big honour and duty for Ali, who believes that joining the leadership group will bring the best out of him and his teammates.

“It’s amazing. To captain or vice-captain England in any form is huge and I’m very excited. I’m obviously not hoping for Joe to go off the field but if he does go off, I’m looking forward to the role,” Ali said during a press conference on the eve of the fourth Test”.

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“That’s the beauty of sport in one way but I also know that Jos would have done it if I weren’t. Things can change quickly and to be given the role is great. I do speak a lot to the players and we bounce ideas off each other.”

I’m sure Ashwin has been and will be considered going in tomorrow: Moeen Ali

R Ashwin was left out of India’s XI for the first 3 Tests of the series, and Ali opined on whether the top off-spinner will make it back into the XI for the 4th Test at the Oval. India has decided to proceed with Ravindra Jadeja as the only spinner in the first 3 Tests, with the all-rounder picking just 2 wickets.

With Jadeja’s injury issues growing, Ashwin’s chances of playing at the Oval may improve. Ali stated that he was surprised by Ashwin’s exclusion while praising his CSK counterpart Jadeja as one of his preferences.

“Most grounds in England spin a little bit anyway, some obviously more than others but there’s always a bit of spin. Ashwin… yeah, I think a little bit maybe. I also feel Jadeja is an amazing cricketer; one of my favorite cricketers in the world. I would always have him on my team no matter what. India after winning at Lord’s would have gone ahead with four-seamers. I thought he did a great job. I’m sure Ashwin has been and will be considered going in the 4th Test,” Moeen Ali added.