9 Jul 2015 | Cricket
Moeen Ali stroked his way to a brisk 77 and contributed two vital wickets, in a day that showcased the best of England's discipline.
The most important thing this morning was to get the team into a good position with the bat Ali said.
Ali was unbeaten on 26 overnight and progressed to 77 during the morning session from just 57 balls. His ability to lift the ball over the infield was vital as England posted 430 all out, with helpful contributions from Buttler (27) and Broad (18).
During the afternoon England were frustrated by Chris Rogers who made 95, but they stuck to their lines exceedingly well to earn their rewards at regular intervals throughout the day.
Moeen's two wickets were perhaps also the two most important in the visiting line-up, claiming the scalps of captain Michael Clarke and world number one batsman Steve Smith.
I think I am benefitting from bowlers underestimating me and the nature of the opposition is that they will want to attack me. It's the same for both me and Nathan Lyon; we are going to get targeted.
The wicket of Smith was great, he's a very good aggressive player of spin, and he can take you down very quickly. I almost went into one-day mode and started firing it in at his hip.
Ben Stokes ably supported Moeen with a wicket apiece as well as James Anderson contributing a customary tight spell.
Ali commented on the pace of the pitch and the ways in which England were looking to claim their wickets, saying: the wickets were mostly caught at mid-wicket and cover, and if you can hang in there you will get a chance.
Tomorrow will be very important for us, we'd love a couple of early wickets, especially with the new ball just around the corner.