"I know they are cheering because they know I have the ability to entertain and want me to carry on. There is that link between you and the fans and it is an amazing, amazing feeling."
Monday 23 October 2017 07:32, UK
Moeen Ali has told Sky Sports that the "amazing" reception he receives from England cricket fans makes him more determined to put in eye-catching performances.
All-rounder Ali has become a popular player since debuting for England in 2014, going on to make 129 appearances across all formats, including 44 in the Test arena.
Ali has scored five Test tons in that time and taken 128 wickets, with three of those scalps coming in his hat-trick to win the Oval Test against South Africa in July.
"The crowd reaction when I walk out to bat or bowl is amazing, I'm not going to lie," Ali told My Icon, Sky Sports' special show coinciding with Black History Month. "When you walk out you just can't help but hear that you get a good reception."
"It's a fantastic feeling - you cannot describe. Even in my [Test] debut at Lord's it was phenomenal, I couldn't believe people were cheering for me. Over the years it has got more.
"It makes me want to entertain [the crowd]. I know they are cheering because they know I have the ability to entertain and want me to carry on. There is that link between you and the fans and it is an amazing, amazing feeling.
"At the moment I am going with the flow and doing the best I can but maybe one day I will look back and think: 'I played for England, no one can beat that'."
Ali does not drink as part of his Muslim faith and has hailed his England team-mates for keeping him involved in celebrations after victories before they open up the champagne.
"I can have a picture with them and then they can celebrate with their champagne," he said. "I appreciate and love the fact my team-mates do that, I am very grateful of what they do for me.
"I don't drink and don't want to be associated with anything to do with alcohol. I know Muslims are watching and we stay away from stuff like that.
"I enjoy myself as much as everyone else - I don't need the alcohol to show that."
On being a role model, Ali, who is of Pakistani descent, added: "I have always felt that if you be yourself and don't try to fit into anything people will accept and appreciate you a lot more.
"Marcus Trescothick was the first England batsman I saw and thought 'this is how I want to play'. He was an unbelievable player."
"Being there so people can see you, touch you, speak to you is very, very important - to have as much access to you as they can so they can be inspired.
"It's important we step us as much as we can as I am a big believer that everyone needs a hero, someone they can look up to."
Moeen talks about his journey in episode 23 of My Icon, which is available On Demand.
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.
