Ravindra Jadeja one of my favourite cricketers in the world: England vice-captain Moeen Ali

Newly appointed England vice-captain Moeen Ali has praised Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and rated him as one of his favorite cricketers in the world ahead of the fourth test at the Oval, which starts on Thursday.

Moeen said he would always have Jadeja in his playing XI no matter where the match is taking place.

“Most grounds in England spin a little bit anyway, some obviously more than others but there’s always a bit of spin. Ashwin… yeah, I think a little bit maybe.

“I also feel Jadeja is an amazing cricketer; one of my favourite cricketers in the world. I would always have him in my team no matter what. India after winning at Lord’s would have gone ahead with four seamers,” Moeen said.

The English all-rounder, who was named the vice-captain for the next match in the absence of Jos Buttler, also backed Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the Indian XI for the Oval Teal, where the pitch does assist the spinners.

“I thought he did a great job. I’m sure Ashwin has been and will be considered going in tomorrow,” Ali said.

England bounced back from the Lord’s defeat to register an emphatic win by an innings and 76 runs at Headingley and level the 5-match series 1-1. The fourth Test between England and India will be played at The Oval in London from September 2.