Moeen Ali is optimistic that he will prove good enough to lead England's spin attack when he makes his Test match debut against Sri Lanka later this week.
England have opted not to pick a recognised slow bowler for their first five-day contest since suffering Ashes embarrassment at the hands of Australia this winter.
Worcestershire all-rounder Ali and Joe Root will likely share the responsibility of supplying England's spin following the retirement of Graeme Swann, and the 26-year-old is confident that he will show doubters he is more than a part-timer.
"A lot of people haven't seen me bowl in the longer format so hopefully I can surprise a few people," he told reporters.
"I'm pretty confident with my bowling. I feel like I've been doing it at Worcester for the past two or three years. I'll bowl as tight as I can and hopefully pick up a few wickets from there.
"I'm not looking to fill Swann's boots. He has been a fantastic bowler. I'm just looking to bowl how I bowl. If I try to be someone else I won't be as good."
Ali, who has taken 139 first-class wickets at an average of 40, could be one of three men to make their Test bows at Lord's on Thursday, alongside opening batsman Sam Robson and seamer Chris Jordan.
Joe Fish
