In 2001, the Michael Mann-directed, Muhammad Ali’s biopic released. The film titled ‘Ali’ saw Will Smith playing the role of the legendary boxer. Though the film wasn’t a commercial success it mostly got positive reviews from the critics. The film tells the story of Ali — his journey to the World Heavyweight Title to conversion to Islam to banishment from boxing and return.
Inspired by the film, England Test skipper Alastair Cook has now decided to don the director’s hat and come up with his own version of Ali. What prompted him? Of course, the rise of the off-spinning all-rounder in his side, Moeen Ali. Starting as a part-time off-spinner, Moeen has developed as one of the leading spin bowlers in world cricket, helping England win crucial Tests — most recently the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at Durban. Also Read: Brainder Sran: 12 facts about India’s next big left-arm pace bowling hope
Out of all spin bowlers who have played for England post Second World War and taken over 50 wickets, Moeen has the best strike-rate of all. Yes, even better than Jim Laker, Graeme Swann and Dereck Underwood.
He has been one of the reasons for Cook’s success as a skipper and the southpaw has decided to thank the Birmingham-born all-rounder with a biopic. Speaking to the writer, Cook said, “If the likes of MS Dhoni can have biopics then why not Moeen? This film will be better than the Hollywood one.”
The film will highlight Moeen’s Pakistani ancestry, cricket family, faith in Islam and conversion from an attacking opening batsman to a leading off-spinner. Before that there is the Cape Town Test and Moeen will look to dismantle the Proteas batting line-up once again.
Please note this is a humour article — work of pure fiction.
(Suvajit Mustafi consumes cricket for lunch, fiction for dinner and munches numerous other snacks throughout the day. Yes, a jack of several trades, all Suvajit dreamt of was being India’s World Cup winning skipper but ended up being a sports writer, author, screenwriter, director, copywriter, graphic designer, sports marketer , strategist, entrepreneur, philosopher and traveller. Donning so many hats, it’s cricket which gives him the ultimate high and where he finds solace. He can be followed at @RibsGully and rivu7)
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