Moeen Ali hopes his stint in the Indian Premier League can improve his one-day international performances for England and admits he was relieved to have had a break from cricket.
The spinning all-rounder has endured a disappointing start to 2018, having struggled for form throughout England's Test defeat in the Ashes and the following series in New Zealand, during which he was dropped for the second contest.
Moeen was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for £187,000 in the IPL auction, a decision that was met with some scepticism given he has largely played back-up to Adil Rashid for England in Twenty20 internationals.
Having not been utilised for the majority of the season, Moeen took two wickets in three matches with an economy rate of under seven and then showed good touch with the bat to produce a 34-ball 65 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Thursday's 14-run win.
"It was almost nice to have a break," he told reporters.
"I wasn't in great form coming here. It is just nice to go out and express myself and for my own confidence and the team's confidence in me.
"Hopefully, we can keep going and I can keep this form going.
"I have really worked on my game and I feel going further in the future for RCB and for England, hopefully it will help me become a better one-day player. Hopefully it is going to improve my game."
