ENGLAND fans were buzzing after Moeen Ali surprised Australia by coming out as the No3 batter on a crucial day in the Third Ashes Test… before he was bowled for just five runs.
Ben Duckett was trapped LBW during the early stages of the morning session on Sunday as England chased 251 to keep their hopes of winning the series alive.
Moeen Ali came into bat at No3 on Sunday morningGetty
He was swiftly bowled by Mitchell Starc for just five runsAFP
Harry Brook was expected to come out as the next batsman – as he did in the first innings.
But England shocked Headingley by sending fan-favourite Ali out to the middle.
And fans initially reacted positively to the move on social media.
One said: “Moeen Ali masterclass incoming.”
Another added: “MOEEN ALI IS BATTING THREE – THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”
A third replied: “Moeen Ali at three. S**t just got real. The day beast.”
While a fourth responded: “Moeen Ali batting at 3 in a Test match, this is peak Bazball .”
And yet another fan added: “Moeen Ali at 3 is pure Bazball madness and I am here for it!”
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But the praise for Ali was short-lived as he was bowled by Mitchell Starc for just five runs.
And the England faithful were quick to change their opinion on his early arrival at the crease.
One said: “Moeen Ali departs, experimentation not working.”
A second added: “Don’t know what was the plan. If Moeen Ali is not going after the bowlers then why would you send him at 3. Strange.”
And a third replied: “Dunno why Moeen Ali came in at 3, brainless idea.”
Ali scored 18 and 19 in his two innings in the First Test at Edgbaston.
He then missed the Second Test at Lord’s due to a blister on his finger.
But he returned to the side for Headingley as England sought a crucial victory.