'Worst since Brexit': England star mocked over horror moment
England allrounder Moeen Ali has been roundly mocked on social media after a shocking gaffe on day three of the first Ashes Test.
Ali's form in the lead-up to the match against Australia at Edgbaston has been the subject of much debate in England, with many fans questioning his place in the side.
‘BEYOND A JOKE’: Cricket world rages over fresh Ashes ‘disgrace’
Unfortunately for the 32-year-old he did little to answer those criticisms with the bat after a moment to forget in England's first innings.
Ali had just come in to bat after Nathan Lyon finally removed England opener Rory Burns for a magnificent 133.
However, he failed to trouble the scorers as Lyon picked up his second wicket of the day in comical circumstances.
AND ANOTHER! 🔥 ENG 7/300
WATCH: @Channel9
STREAM: https://t.co/ARaHMPPTti pic.twitter.com/MG18Mm0BnA— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) August 3, 2019
Ali inexplicably decided to leave a ball outside off that went on the crash into his stump, sending it flying dramatically away.
Viewers were quick to stick the boot into the allrounder on social media for his awful leave.
Moeen Ali with the worst attempt at a leave since Brexit...😬#Ashes pic.twitter.com/AycbkIEvKT
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) August 3, 2019
That was a tremendously well judged leave from Moeen Ali....#Ashes #ENGvAUS
— W.A.Dad (@grazinggoat66) August 3, 2019
Well left #Ashes
— Daniel Hanney ⚽ ✈ (@DanHanney) August 3, 2019
Seriously, Moeen needs to be spinning the ball square to justify his place right now because he’s *not* doing it as a batsman. Sadly gone hugely backwards. #Ashes #ENGvAUS #TMS #SkyCricket
— Phil Grimley (@PhilGrimley) August 3, 2019
Moeen must have incriminating pictures of the England Cricket team management because he certainly isn’t in on his ability with a bat or ball at the moment #ashes
— mike smith🏴 (@mikesmith1987) August 3, 2019
Simply don’t get why Ali is in the England team? Players should only be in team if in form.
Been lame for some time. #Ashes— Watford Status (@WatfordStatus) August 3, 2019
Leave it like Moeen Ali
Lyon gets Hum for the first time in England#Ashes #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/hbTBFfEkvr— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) August 3, 2019
Earlier, Lyon finally got the breakthrough the Aussies really needed - removing Burns after his marathon 133-run knock.
The 31-year-old sent a scare to Aussie viewers as replays showed how close the wicket was to being overturned.
Lyon's foot looked to have over-stepped the bowling crease but he managed to just scrape his heel behind the line, as Burns made back to the pavilion.
Almost another reprieve for Burns, but he finally falls! ENG 6/296
WATCH: @Channel9 and @9Gem
STREAM: https://t.co/ARaHMPPTti pic.twitter.com/wqGmla1PrL— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) August 3, 2019
Ooohh that looked like a no ball to me. Anyhow, well batted Rory Burns. #ashes2019 #Ashes
— A.S (@asadsrc) August 3, 2019
OOOOo. Gazza giving us a scare there with an almost no ball. Not sure I like the new Barmy Army chant of "Same old Aussies, always cheating" ..... #Ashes
— Lady McDeborah to you (@McZameth) August 3, 2019
Lyon has Burns for the second time this innings! This one will count! #Ashes
— Cricket Australia Fan (@CricketAustFan) August 3, 2019
NATHAN THAT IS TOO CLOSE #Ashes
— Matt Parker (@zoonmattau2) August 3, 2019
Peter Siddle made it three wickets in 11 balls as England's dominant start to the day began to look anything but.
David Warner took the regulation catch at first slip to send Jonny Bairstow packing for eight runs and England at 8-300.
England lost four wickets before heading to lunch at 8-328, a 44-run lead after they overhauled Australia's first innings total of 284.
Lyon had earlier ended Burns' long vigil at the crease when he edged to Paine's gloves.
The unorthodox left-handed opener played and missed his way to a grinding 133 from 312 balls in an innings that was a testament to concentration and focus rather than aesthetic beauty.
With AAP