England vs South Africa 2017: 5 positives for England from the Manchester Test

#1 Moeen Ali’s rise as a genuine all-rounder

Moeen Ali was outstanding in all the departments

Moeen Ali’s meteoric rise as a prolific all-round performer is a big positive for England from the Manchester Test. He was a major contributor in England’s emphatic victory over the South Africans in the final Test.

During England’s first innings, Ali started well with three boundaries in quick time, but perished to Kagiso Rabada. He came back to compile decent bowling figures, which included a couple of wickets. Meanwhile, he also gave very little for the Proteas batsmen to work with.

It was in the second innings when the Birmingham-born cricketer ripped the heart out of the tourist with both bat and ball. With a five-wicket haul and a quick-fire knock of 75 runs at more than a run-a-ball, he stamped his authority on the game.