WORCESTERSHIRE all-rounder Moeen Ali struck a superb century for England during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Durham.

Moeen top scored with an unbeaten 155, containing 17 fours and two sixes, as England continue to dominate proceedings heading into the fourth day.

His knock turned England from 310-6 in their first innings into 498-9 declared.

Having passed 40 once in his previous 17 Test innings, there could have been question marks over Moeen’s batting going into the match.

But the all-rounder delivered a superb riposte with a magnificent innings full of his trademark flowing drives and wristy flicks.

Moeen also passed 1,000 Test runs during the course of his innings – becoming the fifth-fastest Englishman to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 50 wickets.

Both of Moeen’s Test hundreds have come at number seven – a position where he now averages 276.

His innings will intensify the debate over whether he should bat higher up the order.

The promotion one place up the order has been significant.

“It definitely feels different, a bit more like put your batting mind on and do a job,” said Moeen, who bats at number three for Worcestershire.

Sri Lanka closed the third day on 309-5, still trailing England by 88 runs and face a tough mission to escape without defeat.