Moeen unfazed by blow to the head

Moeen was then badly dropped on nine by Azhar Ali off the bowling of Mohammad Amir, before making the most of his reprieve by going on to make an excellent 108.

Published : Aug 12, 2016 02:49 IST

Moeen Ali reacts after celebrating his century at The Oval.
Moeen Ali reacts after celebrating his century at The Oval.
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Moeen Ali reacts after celebrating his century at The Oval.

Moeen Ali remained serene despite being hit on the head by Wahab Riaz at the start of his century for England against Pakistan on day one at The Oval.

The all-rounder walked to the crease in the fourth Test with England struggling at 110-5, and his first ball promptly crashed into his helmet as he looked to sway out the way of a bouncer.

Moeen was then badly dropped on nine by Azhar Ali off the bowling of Mohammad Amir, before making the most of his reprieve by going on to make an excellent 108.

England finished 328 all out before Pakistan closed 3-1 at the end of an intriguing day's play, and Moeen says his early discomfort did not unsettle him.

"It's the second time I've been hit here first ball - Mitchell Johnson did it to me last year - but I stayed calm," he told Sky Sports. "I have worked on my technique quite a bit against the shorter and quicker ball.

"I am still going to get in trouble here and there but I feel like I can deal with it better now - I wasn't fazed at all. "I didn't play that well in the winter but I feel like I am in good form now.

"It's going well but I've got some good players to bat around and the tail all did their job - that made it easier for me." Moeen brought up his third Test century by launching Yasir Shah over midwicket for six.

"I didn't think twice about using my feet - I thought 'why not?' as I backed myself to clear [the ropes] with that delivery," he said.

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