He was picked as a temporary solution to England’s spin-bowling problems in 2014 and is still doing the job. Unless England are to embrace a more flexible approach to selection, which would allow Moeen to be a priceless utility player whose role and selection would depend on conditions and confidence, they surely need to clarify his position. All things being equal, England should consider him as a batsman who bowls – even if that means he doesn’t make it into the first XI in New Zealand – and pick a specialist spinner.