Moeen Ali features in episode 23 of Sky Sports' My Icon series
Sunday 22 October 2017 08:54, UK
Moeen Ali says consistency and perseverance have been key to establishing himself as one of England's most prominent cricketers.
Ali became the first man in history to take a Test hat-trick at The Oval earlier this summer, and was described by former England captain Nasser Hussain in episode six of My Icon as one of this country's most influential current players.
Despite 129 international matches across formats under his belt the Worcestershire all-rounder says he still counts his blessings every time he pulls on an England shirt.
"My dad always drilled into my head that you have to be better than everyone else. It doesn't matter what colour you are or what background you have," Moeen says in episode 23 of Sky Sports' My Icon series.
"As long as you work hard and give 100 per cent and perform then no-one can stop you. I have always had that kind of mentality and I think that has put me in good stead.
"Every time I think about my career so far I cannot believe I have played for England for so long and in so many games.
"I'm very, very fortunate to put on the England shirt [even] for all the days that I have in training. Sometimes I wake up I am just so excited to train."
Moeen talks about his journey in the latest instalment of My Icon, which premieres on Sunday at 7am on Sky Sports Mix and is available On Demand. The episode is repeated on Sunday at 10.40am, 3.30pm and 5.45pm.
Coinciding with Black History Month, Sky Sports' #MyIcon campaign brings you 31 exclusive interviews with top BAME sports personalities across the month of October. For more information click here.
