Moeen Ali is desperate to prove himself during the upcoming one-day international series in Sri Lanka and would even bat at 11 if it means he gets a run in the side.
The all-rounder is yet to nail down a place in England’s ODI plans, after making his debut in the Caribbean earlier this year, but with the World Cup looming on the horizon is willing to take any chance that comes his way.
“I can adapt to a few positions so I don’t mind at all (where I bat),” the 27-year-old told ecb.co.uk.
“I can bat three or seven, open, I can bat anywhere…I can bat 11 as well!”
Moeen has batted in three different positions – ranging from opening to number seven – during his five ODIs but is just hoping to get a good run in the side during the seven-match series.
“I’ve been up and down the order. That doesn’t bother me too much, I’ll bat wherever,” he added.
“If I can string some games together I’ll be very happy.”
After a breakthrough summer, highlighted by his form in the Test series against India, Moeen knows that some solid performances in Sri Lanka would go a long way to confirming his place on the plane to Australia and New Zealand.
“Obviously this series now is very important because there’s a World Cup around the corner and there is some places up for grabs,” he said.
“I don’t like to look too far ahead. If I can get into the side first obviously, and then perform well, I’d be very happy.”
Moeen is no stranger to Sri Lankan conditions having twice toured there with England squads while he has also played in the island nation’s first-class competition.
He admits he has learnt much from each trip and has warned that there may be more in the wickets for England’s seamers than many might expect.
“I think it might do a little bit. It’s the monsoon season so it won’t be as dry and spinning as people think,” he said.
“I’ve played there a few times now. I played the Under-19s World Cup there, I played first-class out there and then with the Lions.
“It’s very different. They play completely different cricket. Bowling was difficult at first and I ended up doing all right, doing quite well.
“You can’t give it too much flight against these guys because, I found when I was bowling at Sri Lankans, that no matter what field you had if there was a bit of flight they smashed it.
“I really try and bowl quick at these boys and bowl straight.”