Moeen Ali will be assessed overnight as England sweat on the all-rounder’s fitness after he suffered a groin injury on the opening day of the Fifth Ashes Test at the Oval.
Moeen picked up the problem while running between the wickets during a century stand with Harry Brook as the home side were skittled for 283 after being sent in to bat.
In reply, Australia are 61 for one at stumps, Chris Woakes removing David Warner for 24 in the evening’s sole breakthrough.
England’s gameplan will be complicated if Moeen, the sole front-line spinner, is unable to bowl later in the Test, with Australia due to bat last on what appears a dry wicket.
Even if he is deemed fit, the 36-year-old will be unable to take the ball early on day two having spent all 25 overs of Australia’s innings so far off the field.
Moeen had made a cautious start to his innings, scoring 11 off his first 17 balls before flicking into top gear after receiving treatment for the injury, belting his next 10 deliveries for 23 runs and eventually falling to Todd Murphy for 34.
“That was his decision,” said Brook, who top-scored with 85. “He came over as soon as the physio left the pitch, he said: ‘Shall I just tee-off now?’
“He’s one of the best power-hitters in the world. There aren’t many better men to have out there if you want him to smack it really.”
