(Video) Chris Silverwood reveals England are considering Moeen Ali for second Test selection

Chris Silverwood has revealed in an interview released by the ECB that he and captain Joe Root are very much considering Moeen Ali for the second Test against India, which starts on Thursday. Silverwood mentioned that he has always admired Moeen as a “fine cricketer”, and that the all-rounder’s inclusion is “something that has to be in our mind”.

After struggling against an excellent India team at Trent Bridge bar the brilliance of Joe Root’s strokeplay, England are under some pressure to ring the changes as the series quickly moves on to Lord’s. They will no doubt be more considered than many onlookers, but Moeen could be an important figure as Silverwood looks to balance the side.

Sam Curran was among the next-best with the bat in Nottingham, but his bowling lacked any real threat. Should he be left out and England decide to finally include a spinner, Moeen’s proven ability with the blade that he has demonstrated so vividly in the Hundred this summer will be a vital resource to tap. The one thing you will always get with Mo, be it good or bad, is an intrinsic watchability that few other cricketers exude so profoundly.