Former spinner Phil Tufnell has reiterated the importance of all-rounder Moeen Ali to England’s 2019 World Cup campaign.

Ali is one of three frontline slow bowlers in England’s 15-man squad alongside left-armer Liam Dawson and leg-spinner Adil Rashid.

‘Moeen is a truly fantastic all-rounder. Coming in later in the order, he would be as able as anyone to get a run-a-ball century, just as much as any of the lads at the top of the order,’ Tufnell was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council website.

‘He gives us fantastic depth and bowls his off-spin very, very nicely. I see him as a lot more than a part-time bowler, he has got rid of that tag now. Ali is a genuine off-spin bowler for England now, and bowls it really well, so he is going to have a big role to play in those middle overs.’

England currently occupy first position in the ICC’s rankings for ODI teams – and are the tournament co-hosts with Wales. Their World Cup campaign started against South Africa at The Oval in London on Thursday and will continue with Monday’s meeting with Pakistan at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

‘People have been talking about the pressure of playing at home, but I see it as a good thing. The guys will feel at home with the conditions and pitches, having played at all these grounds before. And this time, they will be cheered on by that home crowd,’ added Tufnell.

‘The best players in the world are here, and there is going to be some truly fantastic cricket. I think we are going to win it, but of course I am going to say that.’

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