England all-rounder Moeen Ali said on Sunday that anything above 220 would not be an easy target on a Day 5 Lord’s pitch and his team cannot rely only on captain Joe Root in the run-chase against India.
“I think both teams are in a decent situation, it’s been a fantastic game of cricket. I think anything over 220-230 is going to be pretty difficult, but not impossible obviously. It won’t be easy,” Ali said on Sunday.
“We can’t just rely on Rooty,” Moeen was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. “I will try to take responsibility as much as everyone else.”
England are already facing the highest successful fourth-innings chase at Lord’s since 2012.
Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 14 at stumps, and his presence would be a big concern for the hosts, but Ali said they would look to hit back with the new ball.
“We know what Pant can do, he can be so dangerous. But we all have to play well tomorrow. The new ball will be crucial tomorrow. We also have Jimmy Anderson.”
Recalled into the side for only his second Test appearance in two years, Ali was back among the runs as well as wickets.
“I’m not taking things too seriously anymore. I know there will be bad days and there will be good days,” Ali, who is playing his first Test on home soil since the 2019 Ashes, said.
“I’m really enjoying myself. That was my aim really. I just wanted to be part of the series and do well. Hopefully, I get more runs,” he said.
