Moeen Ali frustrated by stop-start 2020: "You need those back-to-back games"

The England allrounder hopes to return for the South Africa one-day international series after a frustrating few months

• Priorities, Olly Stone's return and the form of Jason Roy... South Africa v England: Things to watch
• England captain Eoin Morgan embracing data-driven era as off-field signals continue

England's Moeen Ali believes the lack of regular cricket is central to his inconsistent form during 2020.

The 33-year-old has endured a truncated year for both his country and in the franchise arena.

After being overlooked for the T20 series against South Africa, Moeen hasn't featured in any of England's last five matches stretching back to the Australia ODIs.

Furthermore, he made just three outings for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League - appearance separated by 20 and 11 days respectively - during which he scored just 12 runs and claimed a single wicket.

The Worcestershire man was also far from his best during the Pakistan Super League and was unable to return to complete the delayed tournament due to his international commitments.

Du Plessis v Root, De Kock v Bairstow... South Africa v England ODI combined XI

In the absence of Ben Stokes, Sam Curran and Jofra Archer, Moeen hopes to recapture his place and have a run in the team during the South Africa 50-over series which starts on Friday (November 4).

"I was pretty relaxed about it to be honest," he told Sky Sports of not featuring in the 3-0 whitewash of The Proteas. "Sure, you're disappointed inside but you still have a job to do. It is not an easy job but it is still a good job to do.

"With my game, I don't feel like I've played much over the year. Rhythm and stuff like that obviously is not there. I've been working hard in the nets but it's never the same. You need those back-to-back games. That's the most frustrating thing. 

"At the IPL I played one game and didn't play for three weeks, then played another game then played right at the end. The rhythm comes from an innings in the middle and that is probably what is missing at the moment."

Gift a subscription to The Cricketer this Christmas and choose your free gift (a £20 John Lewis gift card or copy of Bob Willis: A Cricketer & A Gentleman). Subscribe here