Moeen Ali’s record-breaking spree of six hitting was just a natural extension of his attacking instincts against West Indies in Bristol.
Moeen (102) agreed, after smashing England’s second-fastest one-day international hundred from just 53 balls, that he has rarely felt as much in control as he did in this third Royal London Series match.
His century upped the ante for the hosts, the second 50 coming from a world-record 12 balls as he hit eight sixes in a total of 369 for nine – England’s highest in ODIs against the Windies.
Moeen Ali marks the completion of a stunning century as England beat West Indies in Bristol
Moeen smashed his century off just 53 balls, the second fastest-ever in an England ODI
Liam Plunkett’s maiden five-wicket haul in this format then ended the tourists’ run chase on 245 all out from 39.1 overs – despite Chris Gayle’s innings of 94, which also included six sixes.
Moeen dominated a seventh-wicket stand of 117 with Chris Woakes, after Joe Root (84) and Ben Stokes (73) had earlier put on 132.
Asked how his remarkable innings ranked among his personal favourites for England, he said: ‘I felt it was right up there.
‘I just had a slog really, and everything just seemed to come off.
‘I just tried to watch the ball, keep my shape and then really go for it.’
The second 50 came from a world record 12 balls, with Moeen hitting eight sixes in all
Moeen admitted he went for a slog and every shot seemed to come off
It was an uncomplicated plan which took the match away from the Windies as England went 2-0 up with two to play.
‘Obviously at the time, I’m just trying to play as many shots as I can. I really enjoyed it,’ he added.
‘You don’t think about it, and you just try to hit every ball for six really…when it’s there just have a good go, and keep going.
‘I thought we’d got ourselves in, and it was time to press the button and play a few shots – and it’s not a massive hit for six (here).’
England already had a healthy run rate but were a vulnerable 217 for six when Moeen and Woakes joined forces in the 35th over.
‘Rooty and Stokesy did a fantastic job first of all,’ added Moeen.
‘We were in a bit of trouble, and then again we lost those three (quick) wickets.
‘We’ve both got to rebuild a little bit … (but) when we felt like we got to a situation around 42 overs, where we’re in a decent position here to really go, we both had to try to play a few shots.
‘In the end, he was trying to get (off strike), because I felt like I was in the zone and everything was coming off.
‘But I felt they bowled a little bit in the slot for me.’
England ultimately won the third ODI by 124 runs, taking a 2-0 lead with two matches to play