Moeen Ali, who claimed his 200th Test wicket yesterday when he dismissed Steve Smith (although he described that and the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne before it as being “gifted” to him) spoke to BBC Radio yesterday.
He said the wickets were pleasing, but still being in a position to win the game is better.
“The day ended quite nicely, we’re still in a winnable position,” he said.
“I thought we were struggling a bit with the bat until Stokey and Woody let loose and gave us a chance still, being 20-odd runs behind is not too bad and then I thought that [last session] went really well.”
He added that England are confident of chasing whatever score they are set.
“Whatever they get we’re gunna have to chase if we want to win the Ashes but I just think it’s still a decent wicket,” he said.
“[The pitch is] a little bit slower and a little bit more dead than it was before.
“We’ve got some brilliant players who can play, the outfield is rapid. It takes a couple of guys to get in.
“From this position, ideally we’d want to chase 260.”
Moeen also said his finger is “painful” but not as bad as it was at Edgbaston and he can still bowl.