The beard that's feared

Another England season is well underway and England have apparently begun their latest "new era". No more Andy Flower, Kevin Pietersen or Graeme Swann to photograph, but lots of new faces.

It's refreshing to have some new players representing England, including Gary Ballance, Chris Jordan and Sam Robson, and I am especially pleased to see that Moeen Ali is now in the Test team as well as the shorter forms of the game.

Moeen seems to be a really friendly and also incredibly modest guy. He has just played his second Test match for England and has attracted quite a lot of attention. He played fabulously at Headingley in the second innings and scored his maiden Test century for England. Unfortunately for him he could only watch as James Anderson hit the penultimate ball into the air and, as the catch was taken, Sri Lankan players partied like it was 1999 (remember the Prince song?) after they unexpectedly clinched the two-match series.

Moeen has a truly impressive beard. As a beard-wearer myself, I can appreciate his most impressive fuzz. I can only grow a straggly grey chin hider but Moeen sports a long, full, dark beard.

I take many photographs of Moeen Ali as my girlfriend is a massive fan of beards.

Let me elaborate on that. The absolutely gorgeous Victoria is such a big fan of facial hair on cheeks and chin that she has created and launched the world's greatest beard website. I've contributed quite a few photos of Moeen and Hashim Amla to her site, Twitter and Facebook feed over the past few months.

Former cricketer Graeme Fowler is also a regular beard product tester on beardrevered, now that he sports his own very long beard. Think about a cross between Charles Darwin and WG Grace and you've probably got an idea of what "Foxy" Fowler currently looks like.

Take a look at beardrevered when you get the chance. I think it's great, but then I would, wouldn't I?

The shot above was taken at Headingley as Moeen warmed up to take the field, and captures his beard nicely. One more snap for Victoria!