Death bowling has been an issue for a while, need to change bowlers' mindset: Moeen Ali

England stand-in captain Moeen Ali admits that his side's death bowling in T20s has been an issue for some time and they are looking to rectify that in the upcoming matches against the West Indies.

Moeen took charge of the England side from Eoin Morgan, who has been ruled out of the West Indies T20Is due to a quad injury. The hosts lead the five-match series 2-1 and England will look to draw level in the next game, scheduled to be played later today in Barbados.

“It’s difficult because West Indies do hit it so far, so well and clean,” Moeen said.

“Even though bowlers have the hardest job in Twenty20 cricket, death bowling in particular, we’ve had this issue for a while. We need to change the mindset of the bowlers and the perception people have of us as a death-bowling team. 

"We’re working hard to do that. You’re going to get hit but I think there needs to be a bit more of a plan A, plan B, plan C, so you’ve got places to go if things are not going well.”

Asked to lead the side just before toss in the third T20i on Wednesday (January 26), Moeen says that he is happy to lead any side whenever required. “For me personally it’s about trying to stay in the game, knowing the situation, trying to understand what the opposition’s strengths are, where they are looking to hit, what they are trying to do and then counter that,” said the 34-year-old. 

“I’m not sure that too many all-rounders captain in T20 cricket, but I feel like I’ve always been ready to captain teams. Wednesday happened just before the toss, there were five changes and it just felt there was a lot going on. I didn’t feel like I had time to prepare and think about it too much, which sometimes can help. Hopefully going forward it’ll be a little bit easier and calmer.”

Moeen also heaped praise on Adil Rashid who was the most economical bowler amidst West Indies' onslaught. Rashid conceded just 25 runs in his four overs on Wednesday and Moeen said that the fellow spinner show class and control.

“I think the other day showed the difference between him [Rashid] and everybody else in that side,” Moeen said. 

“Obviously George Garton was making his debut and other guys are still early in their careers, but he showed his class and amazing control. It’s not always about taking wickets – when everybody else seems not to be able to bowl very well, he seems to bowl fantastically well.”