Moeen Ali becomes first England spinner to take hat-trick after World Wars

Moeen Ali achieved the remarkable feat on Day 5 of the third of the four-Test series against visitors South Africa at The Oval.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali became the first English spinner to claim a hat-trick following in the post World Wars era. He achieved the remarkable feat on Day 5 of the third of the four-Test series against visitors South Africa at The Oval in London on Monday. He also became the first ever player to claim a hat-trick in any format on this very ground, which was also hosting its 100th Test in its 137 years of history. Overall, Moeen became the 44th players in Test cricket to have claimed a hat-trick, as England beat South Africa by 239 runs to retain the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: England vs South Africa 2017 – 3rd Test at The Oval

Victory put England 2-1 up in this four-match series, with just the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting on Friday to come. After having Dean Elgar (136) and Kagiso Rabada (nought) caught at first slip by Ben Stokes with the last two balls of his 16th over, off-spinner Ali ended The Oval’s landmark match when he had Morne Morkel lbw with the first ball of his next over — although England had to first review umpire Joel Wilson’s not out decision. “I was very confident it was out, as soon as it hit his pad. It was a great feeling,” Ali told Sky Sports of his hat-trick delivery, as reported by AFP.

Ali’s treble saw him become the 13th England bowler to take a hat-trick at this level, with South Africa’s second innings the first in the 140-year history of Test cricket to include four first-ball ducks. South Africa, set a mammoth 492 for victory, were all out for 252 after lunch, with Worcestershire all-rounder Ali taking four for 45.

About the Author