Ashes 2023: [WATCH] Mitchell Starc Cleans Up Moeen Ali With A Stunning Delivery

The cricket world was abuzz with anticipation as the highly-anticipated Ashes series of 2023 got underway.

Among the many intriguing storylines of the series was England’s decision to experiment with Moeen Ali at the crucial number three batting position.

However, the experiment ended in disappointment as Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc dismantled Ali’s stumps in emphatic fashion.

The Moeen Ali at 3 experiment didn't work 🙁

Mitchell Starc cleaning him up in emphatic fashion!#BBCCricket #Ashes pic.twitter.com/1Ss38cfHLi

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 9, 2023

Let’s consider into the details and examine why the Moeen Ali at 3 experiment failed to bear fruit for England.

In an attempt to bolster their top-order batting and provide stability to the team, England’s team management made the bold decision to promote Moeen Ali, a seasoned all-rounder, to the number three position.

Ali, known for his ability to play aggressive strokes and his valuable off-spin bowling, was expected to provide stability and firepower at a crucial juncture in the batting lineup.


As the Ashes battle commenced, the spotlight was on Moeen Ali as he took guard at the number three position in the first innings.

However, his stay at the crease was short-lived, as the talented Australian fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, produced a breathtaking delivery that swung in late and crashed into Ali’s stumps.

The ball left the cricketing world in awe of Starc’s skill and left Ali’s aspirations of making an impact in tatters.


The failure of the Moeen Ali at 3 experiment can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, Ali was not accustomed to batting at such a pivotal position in the lineup.

While he had displayed his batting prowess in lower positions, the added responsibility of anchoring the innings at number three seemed to overwhelm him.

The pressure of facing the new ball against high-quality pace bowlers in the form of Mitchell Starc and his fellow Australian teammates proved too much for Ali to handle.

Moreover, Ali’s batting technique and temperament did not seem ideally suited to the demands of batting at number three.

The position requires a solid defensive technique, the ability to see off the new ball, and the patience to build long innings.

Ali, known for his aggressive stroke-play, struggled to adapt his game to the requirements of the position, resulting in his downfall against Starc’s menacing delivery.

Furthermore, the experiment also had an adverse impact on the team’s overall batting lineup.

Ali’s promotion to number three disrupted the established batting order, unsettling other batsmen who had to adapt to new positions in the lineup.

This disruption potentially affected their rhythm and confidence, contributing to England’s lackluster performance in the innings.


While the Moeen Ali at 3 experiment did not yield the desired outcome, it is essential for teams and management to be open to experimentation and innovation.

Cricket is a game that thrives on innovation, and such experiments are a part of the evolutionary process in the sport.

It is crucial to analyze the outcomes, learn from the mistakes, and make necessary adjustments in team selection and strategy for future matches.


The Moeen Ali at 3 experiment in the Ashes series of 2023 ended in disappointment as Mitchell Starc dismantled his stumps with a sensational delivery.

The decision to promote Ali to number three, while commendable in its intention, did not prove fruitful due to various factors such as Ali’s unfamiliarity with the position and his inability to adapt his game accordingly.

Nevertheless, it is through such experiments that teams learn and evolve, ultimately contributing to the growth and excitement of the game we all love—cricket.

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