ENGLAND'S Moeen Ali says he reaped the benefits of his spell back with Worcestershire after a man-of-the-match return to Test cricket.

The all-rounder followed up his crucial 40 in the first innings by taking 5-63 on day two of the fourth Test with India at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl.

Despite departing for nine in the second innings batting at number three, Moeen then produced another effective bowling display with 4-71 to help England win by 60 runs after bowling India out for 184.

He ended with match figures of 9-134 as England took a winning 3-1 lead in the series.

It was Moeen’s first Test for five months after a challenging winter in the Ashes series and against New Zealand.

He said: “I actually loved being back at Worcestershire and having a good stint there and just getting the form back with the bat and the ball.

“I’ve really enjoyed going back to county cricket and having a bit of a break and it’s always nice to get a call-up when you are in decent nick with the bat and the ball.

“It’s doing what county cricket should be doing, having that confidence to come back into the Test side and perform.

“It’s more believing that you are not a bad player after one bad winter. Many players have gone through that and for me it was just moving on and hopefully it (the experience) makes you a better player and a stronger character.

“I moved on pretty early from that and it’s about going out there and performing for my country knowing that I can do well in England.

“I went to Worcestershire and cleared my mind to try to get better and that’s exactly what I feel I’ve been doing.”