Moeen Ali’s surprise surge up England’s batting order could become permanent in the remaining two Tests in this year’s Ashes.
Ali, who was rushed into the squad off the back of Jack Leach suffering lower back stress fracture, could play a pivotal role in his side’s bid to come from 2-1 down.
The all-rounder came in at number three during the second innings at Headingley to the surprise of many and the excitement of the raucous crowd.
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Ollie Pope was the first drop for England in the first and second Test but was replaced by Harry Brook at number three in the third Test after injuring his shoulder.
Brook scored just three runs in the first innings at number three and duly fell back down to number five.
That move paid dividends, with Brook scoring a match-defining 75 to power England to victory.
Brook likely would have kept his place at number three if not for Ali approaching captain Ben Stokes on the eve of day four when he put himself forward to move up from number seven.
Although Ali made just five from 15 balls, he could be kept at number three.
The spinner is planning more net sessions in the lead-up to the fourth Test with a view to cementing his spot.
According to the UK Guardian, head coach Brendon McCullum and Stokes are seriously considering keeping Ali as first drop.
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It’s not uncharted territory for Ali, who has spent a lot of his county career in the position.
“I think that’s a waste getting Harry (Brook) up at number three,” said Phil Tufnell on BBC Sport’s Test Match Special.
“There will be a few selection concerns, I suppose. Let the dust settle for two or three days.
“The one thing that’s struck me about this England side is – 2-0 down, backs against the wall, they had to pull it out, and they did by hook or by Brook and that takes a lot for a side.
“That takes a lot for a side. That shows that there is a real belief and a real togetherness that whatever come our way we have got to win this Test match.
“Sometimes that can crumble you as a side. This side, it seemed to make them stand up. Old Trafford is absolutely going to be rocking.”
Brook hailed his 93-ball, match-winning 75 among his best efforts to date in cricket, ahead of his four centuries.
“That’s probably number one, especially in front of my home crowd,” he said.
“Ashes cricket is tough but I went out there with a different mindset.
“The last couple of innings I’ve got out before that, I felt I was a bit tentative, trying to survive.
“But I was trying to be as positive as possible and put the pressure on the bowler.”
The fourth Test between England and Australia in the Ashes is set to get underway on July 19 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
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