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England all-rounder Moeen Ali to follow big names as Wisden Almanack cover star

Moeen Ali raises his bat and helmet after reaching his century in the first ODI.
Image: Moeen Ali: In exalted company

Moeen Ali will follow in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar as the cover star of this year's Wisden Almanack.

The England all-rounder was uncapped this time last year, and Wisden's decision reflects his rise to prominence in all forms of the international game.

Tendulkar was on last year's cover, while other cover stars since photographs were first used in 2003 include Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Steve Waugh.

"It's obviously a very prestigious book and it's an honour to be on the front," he said. "I didn't really know who was on there before until someone sent me a list, so it's nice to know.

"I have got a couple of copies from the past and my Dad's definitely going to be getting a copy of the new one! It's been a really good year for me, but it's gone quickly and hopefully I have a lot more good years."

Moeen played seven Tests last year and in all likelihood will go into the upcoming World Cup as England's opening batsman and front-line spinner.

More immediately the Worcestershire star will be part of the side that takes on India on Sky Sports 2 on Friday morning for the right to face Australia in the final of the tri-series tournament.

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"I've started off quite well with the ball, just to keep it simple," he said. "If I bowl flight to some of these guys they'll murder it so I try not to give too much air.

"When the conditions are right with a bit of spin I'll look to attack a bit more. We've not come across one like that yet so for me it's about bowling dots for the team and trying not to go for boundaries."

Watch England v India live on Sky Sports 2 from 3am on Friday morning.

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