record the double of 2000 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket when he completed the feat against South Africa at Lord’s on the second day of their first Test on Friday (July 7).

Moeen started the day with 1988 runs and 98 wickets in what is his 38th Test. He then took care of the first part of the double by extending his overnight 61 not out into a dashing 87 in England’s first-innings total of 458. That took him to 2014 runs, scored at an average of 35.96, with five centuries including a best of 155 not out.

Primarily a batsman, until England deployed him as more of an offspinner and lower middle-order batsman, Moeen has often been criticised for not being a Test-level bowler. But on Friday he produced a sharply turning offbreak to have Hashim Amla lbw for 29. Moeen then removed Dean Elgar, who had been holding the innings together, for 54 when the opener was caught off bat and pad by Gary Ballance at short leg. Elgar’s exit left South Africa in trouble at 98 for 3.

‘It’s a great feeling to do it on the same day at Lord’s,’ Ali told Sky Sports after the day’s play. ‘I’m still inconsistent – I know that – but I was really happy with the way I bowled today. I’ve never got him (Amla) out in a Test before and I’m really happy with that.’

Only the late Tony Greig, who took 37 matches, has achieved the feat in fewer Tests among English cricketers.

Fastest to Test double of 2000 runs and 100 wickets

Tests    Player

31        Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

36        Trevor Goddard (South Africa)

37        Tony Greig (England)

37        Keith Miller (Australia)

38        Moeen Ali (England)