Moeen Ali said his bowling was "rubbish" as Australia closed in on a crushing victory over England in the first Ashes Test. This left-handed batsman refused to criticise third umpire Chris Gaffaney for a controversial decision.
With his off-spinners, Moeen couldn't provide a breakthrough in the four overs he bowled in an evening session which ended with Australia 114-0, 56 to take a series lead on day five at the Gabba. Cameron Bancroft and David Warner were batting on 51 and 60 respectively at stumps.
Day four report: Australia puts itself in winning position
Moeen's counterpart Nathan Lyon was far more effective as England crumbled to 195 all out, with captain Joe Root (51) the only batsman to make a half-century. And Moeen said that he did not do himself justice with the ball.
"As a team we've played okay in bits. I ripped the finger it in the first innings after 15 overs. In the first innings I couldn't grip the ball that much, today was better but I was rubbish." he told Test Match Special.
"To have no wickets today was disappointing. It's been a disappointing day. It's cricket. Australia don't really lose here. In the first couple of days we played quite well. The Steve Smith innings - we found it difficult to get him out."
Earlier on day four, Moeen had been given out stumped by third umpire Gaffaney, who felt that the left-hander's back foot was not behind the line in a marginal call after he was deceived by Lyon (3 for 67) and Tim Paine whipped off the bails in a flash. Moeen looked well set on 40 before being dismissed, but took the verdict on the chin amid talk of the line being painted thicker than usual.
"We came out thinking today to bat as long as we can. Regarding my wicket, you have to respect the umpires. One angle it looked out and another angle it looked not out," he added.
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