Moeen Ali, in his second test for England scored a 'back to the wall' unbeaten 108 against Sri Lanka and almost saved England from inevitable defeat. England came agonizingly close to a draw and lost with only 1 ball to spare. This was no doubt a wonderful Test Series with nail-biting finishes and showcased all that is great about Test Cricket.
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What stood out in the second test was Moeen's defiant hundred and the story inside the story. Moeen is a British Muslim and very visibly so. His long flowing beard has become his trademark. He is not the first and certainly will not be the last British Muslim to play for England. But he is different from the others in the way he has decided to so visibly demonstrate his British Muslim identity. One can see examples of this in other countries like Hashim Amla and many in Pakistan like Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam, Saeed Anwar, Mushtaq Ahmad etc.
In these times when prejudices against Muslims is on the rise, a very long flowing beard does make some people uncomfortable. This is unfortunate but it is the reality. Even in Moeen's case, a spectator made a ridiculous comment that he should be blowing up buildings rather than playing cricket for England.
Moeen being born and brought up in England, knows fully well that his appearance might cause some discomfort among certain people. But he is a mature young man, who believes that his British identity can co-exist well with his Muslim identity.
He is now changing perceptions by his performances on the field. Some people who made these regrettable comments about him had to eat humble pie when he stood tall on the final day of the second test amid the ruins and fought the hardest to save England from defeat. With his fighting knock he made a statement. He deservedly got a standing ovation from the crowd.
Moeen's story reminds me of C. L. R. James cricket classic 'Beyond a Boundary'. The theme of this book is that sport is a vehicle for social change. Perceptions and prejudices can be changed through sport. It describes how Sir Frank Worrell became the first black to captain the West Indies. He was respected by everyone, black or white, due to his sublime character and great cricketing ability and leadership.
The social significance of Moeen's knock apart, he has emerged as an exciting prospect for England. He is a exciting left-handed strokemaker, who can be solid too. He is a right hand offbreak bowler too. He has learnt the 'doosra' from Saeed Ajmal. He is a mature and intelligent man who has captained at junior levels.
After the departure of Kevin Peitersen, Moeen just might provide the excitement which English cricket desperately needs.
I will be closely following the progress of Moeen.
What stood out in the second test was Moeen's defiant hundred and the story inside the story. Moeen is a British Muslim and very visibly so. His long flowing beard has become his trademark. He is not the first and certainly will not be the last British Muslim to play for England. But he is different from the others in the way he has decided to so visibly demonstrate his British Muslim identity. One can see examples of this in other countries like Hashim Amla and many in Pakistan like Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam, Saeed Anwar, Mushtaq Ahmad etc.
In these times when prejudices against Muslims is on the rise, a very long flowing beard does make some people uncomfortable. This is unfortunate but it is the reality. Even in Moeen's case, a spectator made a ridiculous comment that he should be blowing up buildings rather than playing cricket for England.
Moeen being born and brought up in England, knows fully well that his appearance might cause some discomfort among certain people. But he is a mature young man, who believes that his British identity can co-exist well with his Muslim identity.
He is now changing perceptions by his performances on the field. Some people who made these regrettable comments about him had to eat humble pie when he stood tall on the final day of the second test amid the ruins and fought the hardest to save England from defeat. With his fighting knock he made a statement. He deservedly got a standing ovation from the crowd.
Moeen's story reminds me of C. L. R. James cricket classic 'Beyond a Boundary'. The theme of this book is that sport is a vehicle for social change. Perceptions and prejudices can be changed through sport. It describes how Sir Frank Worrell became the first black to captain the West Indies. He was respected by everyone, black or white, due to his sublime character and great cricketing ability and leadership.
The social significance of Moeen's knock apart, he has emerged as an exciting prospect for England. He is a exciting left-handed strokemaker, who can be solid too. He is a right hand offbreak bowler too. He has learnt the 'doosra' from Saeed Ajmal. He is a mature and intelligent man who has captained at junior levels.
After the departure of Kevin Peitersen, Moeen just might provide the excitement which English cricket desperately needs.
I will be closely following the progress of Moeen.
The pure bond of love and mutual respect she shares is truly inspiring https://dailyfornex.com/moeen-ali-wife/
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