Monday 27 April 2015 16:39, UK
Moeen Ali says he would be happy to open the batting for England in Tests if asked.
The Worcestershire left-hander, who bats at three for his county and opens for England's ODI side, currently bats at six in the five-day game, but failed to score a run in the second Test against the West Indies.
He was run-out for a duck in the first innings and was then not needed second time around as Alastair Cook's side claimed a nine-wicket victory, but with Jonathan Trott still not a certain starter at the top of the order alongside Cook, Moeen says he will bat wherever he is asked.
Speaking ahead of the third Test against the Windies, which starts on Friday, he told Sky Sports News HQ: "There are some really good players out there, Adam Lyth is sitting on the bench and he is a fantastic opener.
"But like I say if they ask me to open then I’ll open but if they want me to bat 11 then I’ll bat 11. I don’t really mind.
"I don’t really care to be honest. As long as I’m playing for England then I’m happy.
"I bat three and I understand it’s not that much difference. So yeah I would be ready. I would be ready no matter what number they want me to bat. I’m just going to go out there and enjoy it and do the best I can."
The 27-year-old does admit, however, that it is time for him to deliver some runs for England in Tests.
"I still feel there's a lot more of my batting to come, I just haven't justified it," he said.
"My bowling's kept me in the side, it's been almost a revelation to me, even in the one-day stuff it keeps me in the side as an opening batter.
"I feel like I'm more of an all-rounder now than I was probably a year ago but hopefully I can find my feet as a batter a bit more.
"I know I can do it - I've done it for Worcestershire many times before, so I just need to get the confidence back and really enjoy batting as well. I feel like it's round the corner."
