Moeen Ali became the first English cricketer to officially confirm his availability for the Bangladesh tour. The future of the tour was in serious doubts after an attack on Dhaka Café in July killed as many as 20 people who were mostly foreign hostages with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility.
All-rounder Moeen Ali speaking ahead of England’s last encounter with Pakistan in the Welsh Capital on Sunday said, “If selected, I’ll definitely go.
"I'm pretty happy with everything and really looking forward to it," the Worcestershire off-spinner and left-handed batsman added. "I've been there a few times, five or six."
Following the Dhaka attack, the England Cricket Board (ECB) sent an inspection team to Bangladesh. The team was led by long-serving security chief Reg Dickason.
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The ECB confirmed last month that the tour comprising of three one-day internationals and two Test matches would go as planned.
"My view is you're not safe anywhere these days," said Ali. "I think you can be anywhere and still not be safe."
England assistant coach Paul Farbrace who was with the Sri Lankan squad when their team bus came under armed attack in Lahore in 2009 also expressed his intentions of travelling to Bangladesh.
But England ODI captain Eoin Morgan, who was a part of a group who were given security briefing said he had still not made up his decision.
Meanwhile, wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow spoke to several British newspapers. "I've not made a 100 percent decision but I know within my mind that I have a lot of faith in Reggie. I've been on a heck of a lot of tours with him, he's known me since I was a young boy. So I've got a lot of faith in him,"Bairstow added.
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Ali said he had no qualms about anyone taking their time to decide whether or not to commit to the tour.
"It's really tough (to decide), even for myself.
"Everyone's different and has their own views on things -- and as a team, you back other other's decisions.
"It's up to the individual. There's no pressure on anyone -- it's up to that person and how he feels." He added.
The English all-rounder has been an important member of the England side in the recent past and has provided the much-needed stability to the team with his handy off breaks.
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