Moeen Ali talked up the importance of Alastair Cook’s 26th Test century on the opening day of the third and final match versus West Indies at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Not only did Cook end a near two-year wait for a hundred in the longest format, he also helped England fight back after they struggled to justify his decision to make first use when slipping to 38 for three.
The 30-year-old showed plenty of grit and determination during his 259-ball stay at the crease, sharing in impressive stands with Moeen and Joe Root respectively.
Despite making his first ton in 36 Test innings, Cook was left disappointed when he was dismissed to what proved to be the final ball of the day to leave England 240 for seven.
But Moeen was quick to praise his skipper’s contribution on a testing surface that turned from the off.
Moeen said: “I think the situation of the game, we were in a bit of trouble and he played excellently to get his hundred.
“That will mean more to him than the actual hundred. He'll be very disappointed that he got out at the end but that's just the nature of cricket.
“It was a tough pitch. It wasn't a pitch where you can go easily in and start timing the ball. It takes a bit of time.
“Cookie stuck to his task really well, it's great from the players' point of view for the captain to get a hundred. You saw with the crowd how much it meant for everybody.”
Moeen and Cook wrestled the initiative back off the hosts with a fifth-wicket partnership of 98.
Great stuff skipper.... #WIvEng
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 1, 2015
The former struck eight fours and a six in a 130-ball 58 that ended when Cook picked out backward point and attempted a single that left his fellow left-hander stranded.
“I'm just happy I spent a bit of time in the middle, the situation of the game allowed me to really get focused,” Moeen said.
“I enjoy when the team is struggling a little bit to go into that and try and pull a team out of trouble. I'm just happy I contributed to the team.”
But, having lost Ben Stokes and Cook just before the close, Moeen conceded West Indies - needing to win to draw the three-match series - had the better of the first day.
He said: “I'd probably say West Indies' (day) just. Obviously losing two wickets right at the end probably edged it towards them. It was lovely to see Cookie get a hundred for the lads and stuff.
“We're obviously a little bit disappointed but tomorrow we're going to come back stronger.”
Looking ahead to the second day, Moeen is excited at the prospect of bowling on the surface, but only after England post a competitive first-innings total.
He added: “250 first, 300 and then 350 is the target tomorrow hopefully. It's going to be a tough ask because it's not an easy pitch as I say.
“It spun and bounced more than we expected. We're looking forward to bowling and the way we've been bowling anyway, hopefully this pitch will help us.
“I'm really looking forward to bowling on here, it's probably the sort of pitch I've been looking for and I just hope I get into my line and length straight away.”