England vs South Africa 2017, 1st Test: 5 talking points

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 09:  England captain Joe Root shakes hands with Moeen Ali after winning the 1st Investec Test between England and South Africa at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 9, 2017 in London, England.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
The winning captain, Joe Root with his Man of the Match, Moeen Ali

#4 Moeen Ali turning out to be indispensable for England

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 09:  Moeen Ali of England raises his cap as he leaves the field after England win the1st Investec Test match between England and South Africa at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 9, 2017 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Moeen Ali capped off a fine all-round performance

Often the sacrificed lamb when England need one, Moeen Ali seemed like he was always playing for a place in the side. But that has disappeared into the wind in the past few months with him becoming an indispensable force for England in Test cricket. And it came to the fore again with him producing a Man of the Match performance in Lord's.

Ali finished the game with a 10-wicket haul and considering his valuable contribution with the bat as well, this is easily one of Ali's best performances in the whites for England. The manner in which he tied down Hashim Amla in the first innings and ran through the line-up in the second are signs that indicate that Ali is finally gaining a reputation as a premier off-spinner.

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