Friday 21 November 2014 15:43, UK
Moeen Ali says he is keen to retain his place alongside Alastair Cook at the top of the England order in one-day international cricket.
The off-spinning all-rounder was named as Cook’s new opening partner on Thursday and he got off to a great start against Sri Lanka A on Friday.
Whatever the team needs, I'll do it. I don't look at it as a permanent job, I just look at it as an opportunity.
Having hit six fours from the first six legitimate balls he faced, he raced to 50 in just 21 balls before being dismissed for 56, and England went on to win by the Duckworth-Lewis method after bad light curtailed their run chase.
And Moeen says he hopes to remain at the top order for next year’s World Cup in Australia and beyond.
"If everything goes all right, I'd love to open all the way through to the World Cup," he said. "I'd love to open for the rest of my life for England.
“But whatever the team needs, I'll do it. I don't look at it as a permanent job, I just look at it as an opportunity."
Six boundaries from as many deliveries was a first for the Worcestershire man, who added: “I've never done that before.
“Obviously, there are days when it doesn't come off, but thankfully today was a good start. I didn't mean to hit six fours, I just reacted to what came down.
"There were a couple of half-volleys, a low full-toss, then the one over extra cover was a little bit wide. It’s a role I feel very comfortable in and think I can do a good job.
"When I play well, that's what I do. Just go out and try to enjoy hitting the new ball. There are loads of gaps, and I'm not afraid to do it, even if it's spinning big or whatever. If I get out, I get out.
“(England coach) Peter Moores just said 'Go out and enjoy it - play how you play'.”
Moeen also enjoyed success with his off-spin, taking two wickets in three balls at one point and finishing with 3-29 in nine overs.
"I was really happy with my bowling,” he said. “Because, after the first couple of overs, I felt like I found my line, length and pace to bowl at these guys.
"I've been to Sri Lanka four times now. The first time I came, I was lobbing them up and they were just smashing them, so I feel like I've adapted. They're very good players of spin, so that was satisfying."
