Brendon McCullum: Moeen Ali should open with Alastair Cook against Pakistan

Brendon McCullum: Moeen Ali should open with Alastair Cook against Pakistan

London: New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum has suggested that Moeen Ali will be good option to open the batting alongside skipper Alastair Cook in England‘s upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the Guardian, McCullum said that if he would have given an option to choose, then he would put Moeen up for the series in the UAE and move him down for the South Africa series. Meanwhile, the 33-year-old described Alex Hales as England’s ‘excellent selection’, adding that he could provide the perfect attacking foil to Cook.

McCullum also lauded dropped Adam Lyth, saying that he could be a wonderful player for England, adding that it would be interesting to see how he reacts in due course. England will play three Test matches, four ODIs and three T20 internationals against Pakistan. After a poor outing in the World Cup early this year, England’s method of playing was critiqued as too rigid to prosper in limited-overs’ internationals, and in the following months, beginning with New Zealand’s visit, they played a free-flowing, attacking brand of cricket that provided warming results. McCullum’s own side played the same way that entertained spectators and helped their own players enjoy the outing, and he is happy with England’s move to the ‘right direction’.

“I’ve enjoyed England’s new cut and thrust approach. Even if it is not the finished product it is a shift in the right direction. In the past they have been fearful, regimented and disciplined. It worked on occasion but what we are seeing at the moment is different; they are freeing young players up and if you have the support of people and you back guys through rough days you will come good,” McCullum told Guardian.