Michael Atherton believes Moeen Ali will be ineffective on the fifth day of the Edgbaston Test. he explains, “It is difficult to see him having an impact.”

Australia needs 174 more runs to win on Day 5 of the first Test of the Ashes in 2023, and they have seven wickets in hand. The first Test of the Ashes in 2023 is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. With Usman Khawaja (34*) and Scott Boland (13*) at the crease, the side captained by Pat Cummins ended Day 4 on 107/3, pursuing 281 runs.

The Edgbaston pitch has provided excellent assistance to spinners since Day 1 and is expected to continue doing so on Day 5. On Day 5, with the pitch providing exceptional assistance, all eyes will be on England’s spin all-rounder, Moeen Ali, who is anticipated to bowl his team to victory on the final day. However, former England cricketer Michael Atherton believes that Ali will be unable to influence the game due to a finger injury.

“Clearly, Ali is struggling. After the new ball exploded, he was given six overs, and his finger held up for four of them before the blister or cut reopened. Michael Atherton wrote in his column for The Times, “There is no doubt he will bowl through the pain if necessary, but it is hard to see him having the impact a spinner would hope for on this parched surface or emulating Nathan Lyon, who kept England in check with another fine performance.”

Notably, the off-spinner developed a blister on his right index finger, which separated again on the fourth day, prompting him to leave the pitch an hour before the end of play. Ali scored 18 and 19 runs in the first and second innings, respectively, and took only two wickets in the first innings, which yielded 147 runs in 33 overs. On the fourth day, he bowled seven overs and conceded 24 runs before departing the pitch wicketless.

An exciting narrative. Day 5 lies ahead

Australia got off to a strong start after bowling England out for 273 in their second innings, as openers David Warner (36) and Khawaja added 61 runs for the first wicket. Ollie Robison’s dismissal of Warner, however, allowed England to stage a successful revival. Stuart Broad additionally sent Marnus Labuschagne (13) and Steve Smith (6) back to the pavilion prior to Khawaja and Boland bringing Australia to its final score.