Yorkshire CCC's Moeen Ali ready to sample first taste of Roses rivalry

“I can't wait – honestly, that's the one fixture I've been really looking forward to,” said Moeen, who signed a one-year T20 deal with Yorkshire in January with an option to extend for 2027.

“I’ve watched it obviously many times on TV, and I’ve heard a lot about it, and it’s something that I’ve always been interested in.

“In the England changing room, everyone used to talk about the Roses game.

“It’s a big game – probably the biggest in the country – with two massive clubs and the history of the White Rose and the Red Rose, of course.”

Moeen, who will be one of many top players on view in the match against Lancashire at Headingley (7pm start), is used to domestic derbies, of course.

He played 31 times in the West Midlands one between Worcestershire and Warwickshire, the vast majority in the colours of Worcestershire, whom he captained to the T20 title in 2018.

“Worcestershire and Warwickshire were big games,” he said.

“Over the years, they have been very one-sided a lot of the time, but with the amount of England players that play for Lancashire and Yorkshire as well, along with the history, that’s obviously always a bigger game.

“It’s the kind of game that you want to do well in because hopefully people talk about your performances, which is what you want.

“I remember that great partnership between Luxy (Will Luxton) and Jonny (Bairstow) last year, for example, which everyone was talking about, so I’m really looking forward to being a part of it all.”

Moeen, who turns 39 this month, has made a solid start to his Yorkshire career.

He hit 51 in the win over Derbyshire at Headingley, a typically free-flowing innings that spanned just 35 balls and contained five sixes.

He has also taken four wickets in as many appearances, conceding just 63 runs in 10 overs of off-spin.

“I've absolutely loved the four games I've played so far,” he said. “Honestly, they've looked after me really well. Everyone has been great.

“When I played for England, I always enjoyed playing here (at Headingley), so it’s been very enjoyable.”

Moeen said Bairstow was a key part in his decision to sign for the club.

They have shared many great times together for England.

“Obviously, Jonny was a big pull for me,” he added. “We have a great relationship, we’ve played a lot together and were good friends when I played for England.

“When he called me up, I was speaking to other counties as well. But when Jonny called, I was pretty set on coming to Yorkshire.”

The White Rose will be looking to trim the petals of the Red on the back of their first defeat in this year’s competition.

Gloucestershire were easy winners by 56 runs at Headingley on Sunday, which ended a sequence of three straight wins – Yorkshire’s best-ever start to a T20 campaign.

“We’re still in a very good position,” said Moeen, with Yorkshire four points clear at the top of the North Group with eight games left.

“I do say it's good to lose a game here and there in a competition, within a tournament. Obviously not too many, but just to keep you a bit humble and keep you in check as a side.

“Hopefully, it was a bit of a blip and we can go on to play some more good cricket.”

With a Blast trophy under his belt, Moeen is well-placed to assess Yorkshire’s chances of going deep.

Asked whether they can do so, he was suitably positive.

“I genuinely feel that we have a good blend of really good young players, good experienced players and two good overseas all-rounders,” he said.

“I think the youngsters, hopefully, will learn from the senior players, but they’ve been outstanding anyway, I think, in the first four games, which is very exciting.

“If there’s anything I can pass on to the spinners, for example, then hopefully that makes a difference to them because Headingley is a difficult place to bowl spin, I’ve always thought that.

“You just have to try and stay as brave as you can and not go on the back foot when people are coming after you, because everyone gets hit at some point so at least get hit off your best ball.”

As for his own future as his 40s creep closer? Moeen is sanguine.

“I feel like I’m playing well,” he said. “Even in the other (franchise) leagues I feel I’ve been playing well.

“I want to play for two years at least, and if I’m still playing well after that, then we’ll see.

“Although fielding becomes harder,” he added with a smile –​​​​​ 891 professional appearances and counting.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​